Clergy details explosions and death of over 40 members in Ondo State
A Catholic priest, whose identity was shielded for security reasons, yesterday presented a blood-chilling account of the tragic Owo Church attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The clergy, identified only as “SSA” for the trial, provided key evidence in the ongoing case against five alleged members of the Al Shabab terrorist sect suspected of masterminding the attack. The attack occurred at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022.
The witness, the first to testify for the prosecution, detailed how terrorists armed with explosives and automatic weapons struck the worship community. The priest lamented that the violent incident claimed the lives of over 40 members of his parish. He added that countless others were left maimed, with some suffering permanent physical injuries that continue to afflict them.
Terrorists detonated multiple explosives inside the church
The clergyman revealed to the court that the assailants used no fewer than three explosives, which were detonated inside the church premises. He testified that the attack took place towards the end of the First Pentecost Sunday celebration service, which was heavily attended by worshipers. The violence and chaos began when the mass was nearing its conclusion.
He recounted that he was performing the last rites of the mass, and the congregation had begun singing the recessional hymn when he heard a loud, sudden sound. Looking into the congregation, he initially thought someone had collapsed but quickly realized the gravity of the situation as sporadic gunshots began outside the church. An elder member of the church rushed to him in the sanctuary, urging him to leave the premises immediately.
Priest rushed children to safety amid continuous gunfire
Despite initial reluctance to abandon his flock, the priest was ultimately persuaded to seek safety. He quickly helped move several children and some adults into a secure annex attached to the main church building. From this safe place, he continued to hear the relentless, continuous sound of gunfire mixed with the blasts of additional explosives.
He testified that one of the three explosives detonated landed very close to their hiding place, creating a devastating effect. The impact was so severe, he stated, that it felt “like the ground opening to swallow us immediately,” underscoring the sheer terror experienced by those inside. The priest emphasized the overwhelming chaos that prevented him from counting the number of casualties.
Aftermath saw frantic rush to save the injured
After the sustained attack finally subsided, some church members entered the annex to notify those hiding that the terrorists had left the area. Moving out of the safe place with the children, the priest immediately encountered his choir master, who had been shot in the chest. He stopped to pray for him but knew he urgently needed to be taken to a hospital.
He recounted the horrific sight of dead members scattered across the floor of the church and immediately began shouting for anyone who could still drive to help move the injured to the hospital. The priest personally made two trips to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, transporting casualties. By the time he returned for the second trip, he noted that ambulances from both FMC Owo and St Louis Catholic Hospital, Owo, had arrived and were moving the injured.
The sheer volume of victims overwhelmed the emergency ward at the FMC, which was immediately filled with casualties, both dead and injured. The priest testified that the sight of the wailing, weeping, and crying from the affected people was so distressing that he was physically unable to drive again. He later made a formal statement to the Department of State Service (DSS) in Akure, Ondo State.
Witness unable to identify attackers
During cross-examination by the defense lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the priest was asked to confirm the identity and number of the individuals who carried out the attack. He testified that due to the extreme commotion and chaos, coupled with his overriding desire to rescue the victims, especially the children, he was unable to identify or recognize the assailants. He concluded that he did not know their number.
The testimony delivered behind a protective shield highlighted the devastation wrought by the terrorists on the peaceful community. The case has been adjourned by Trial Justice Emeka Nwite until January 13 and 14, 2026, for further hearing, where the prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses. The trial continues to shine a light on the horrific attack that shook the nation.
