An explosion on Sunday rocked the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State capital.
It was gathered that some worshippers were feared killed as a result of the incident. The explosion, reportedly occurred on the church premises while the mass was going on.
A source said the incident caused pandemonium in the area as residents in the neighborhood of the church ran for safety.
Another source said it was some herdsmen that allegedly attacked the church and killed worshippers.
It was also learnt that the church was less than 200meters away from the palace of Olowo of Owo.
A 37 seconds online video showed some worshippers being killed while blood littered the church. Some worshippers were seen lying on the floor of the church in the pool of blood.
The video indicated that those people lying down were shot.
Another source said it was an explosion that rocked the church, killing many people.
A health worker on duty at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where the casualties were taken to said over 50 people had been taking to the hospital, saying some were dead already while some were still alive.
He said, “They are still bringing people to the hospital, some have been confirmed dead while some are still breathing. But for now I can’t specify the number of those that died.”
A source in palace told our correspondent that the whole area was enveloped with tension and panic.
According to him, “the church that was attacked was at the back of the palace and we are still wondering how gunmen could carry out such an attack at the central eye of the town. This is unbelievable. Kabiyesi would soon issue a statement on the incident
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the command was yet to ascertain the cause the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police is on his way to the scene to ascertain the cause of the incident. We have been hearing some many things about it but I will get back to you,” she said.
(PUNCH)
