Terrorists have reportedly killed over 50 persons in an attack on the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Apart from worshippers, the bandits also killed passersby by stray bullets.
Witnesses said the attack occurred during the church’s Sunday service.
The witnesses said the gunmen stormed the church during service and started shooting sporadically.
It was gathered the injured and the dead were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Owo, for medical attention.
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC, Owo, Dr Liasu Adeagbo, said many medical personnel have been deployed to cater for the injured persons.
He said it was still too early to speak on the issue.
But a nurse at Owo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was not enough medical personnel on ground to attend to the victims at the emergency unit of the hospital.
She said many of the victims were taken to a private hospital.
Later, an explosion also rocked the St Francis Catholic Church. It also left many dead and several others injured.
The worship centre is directly behind the palace of the Olowo of Owo.
A witness, Kehinde Ogunkorode, said the incident caused pandemonium in the area as residents, who were taken by surprise, ran for safety.
The terrorists were said to have bombed the church after which they proceeded to fire several shots at the congregation.
Children are believed to be among those killed in the attack.
No fewer than 50 corpses have been moved out of the church with many casualties lying at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, for medical attention.
Another source explained that some gunmen invaded the church during service, and opened fire on the members of the church, killing no fewer than 50 people.
He explained that the congregation were caught unaware saying the casualty might be more as some worshippers who were taken to the hospital have gave up.
He added that the gunmen also used some explosives within the compound of the church but said most of the people were hit with gunshots.
The perpetrators were said to have fled the scene immediately they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.
