Abuja, Nigeria (AP)-Armed men shot at worshipers and detonated explosives at a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria, killing dozens of people, state lawmakers said.
The attack happened just after noon in front of a church in the Catholic church of San Francesco in Ondo, as believers were gathering for the 50th day of the week, lawmaker Ogunmolasui Oluvole said. He said many children were among those killed.
The high priest was also abducted, said Adlegbe Timilein, who represents the Ovo region in the lower house of the Nigerian parliament.
“Our hearts are heavy,” Ondo governor Rotim Akeredolu wrote on Sunday. “Our peace and quiet has been attacked by the enemies of the people.”
Authorities did not immediately release the official death toll. Timilene said at least 50 people were killed, though others put up a higher number. Videos emerge from the scene of the attack that church members were soaked in a pool of blood while those around them were crying.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said “only Bobokers can think and commit such heinous acts,” his spokesman said in a statement.
“No matter what, this nation will never give up on evil and wicked people, and darkness will never give up on light. “Nigeria will win eventually,” said Buhari, who was elected after vowing to end Nigeria’s protracted security crisis.
In Rome, Pope Francis responded to news of the attack.
“The Pope learned of the deaths of dozens of faithful and many children in an attack on a church in Ondo, Nigeria, and on the celebration of Pentecost. “Until the details are clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and the nation that suffered so much at the celebrations, and he entrusts them both to the Lord to send his soul to comfort them,” the pope said in a Note. This was announced by the Vatican press service.
It is not known who was behind the attack on the church. Although much of Nigeria has struggled with security concerns, Ondo is widely known as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. However, the state was hit during the increasingly violent fighting between farmers and shepherds.
Nigerian security forces did not immediately respond to questions about how the attack took place or whether there was evidence of suspicion. Ovo is located approximately 345 kilometers (215 miles) east of Lagos.
“We have never experienced such a bad accident in the history of Ovo,” lawmaker Oluvole said. “That’s too much.”
Source: Huffpost
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