Scores of people are feared killed in an ambush explosion that rocked a Catholic Church on Sunday in Ondo State.
The explosion occurred at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo LGA of Ondo state.
Reports say the explosion left many dead and several others injured, even as the gunmen killed more people with guns.
While some accounts put the casualty figure at about 28, others say those killed were more than 50.
The worship centre is directly behind the palace of the Olowo of Owo.
Witnesses said attack was carried out by bandits who probably wanted to send a message to Rotimi Akeredolu, the state governor.
Meanwhile, the governor has vowed that his administration will hunt down the
The governor described the incident as “vile and satanic”, calling it a “calculated assault” on the people of Owo.
“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state,” he said.
“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.”