22 dead, 19 injured, 7 treated in Ondo Church attack, says Ondo govt

By Tosin Ajuwon

The Ondo State Government, on Tuesday, said only 22 worshippers were confirmed dead in the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.

The government further disclosed that a total of 87 worshippers were affected by the attack on the Church, which occurred during a Mass on Sunday, DailyTimes gathered.

Suspected terrorists had stormed the Church, located in Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s hometown, Owo, and gunned down the parishioners, who were on ground to observe Mass.

Akeredolu had condemned the violent attack on the Catholic Church, describing it as a “vile and satanic attack” on the worshippers.

Giving the breakdown of the victims, however, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said 18 people are on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo and St. Louis Hospital.

Ajaka, who further stated that about seven people were treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital, disclosed that four victims have been treated and discharged successfully.

According to him, “The total involved as of today (Tuesday) is 88. And the breakdown is this; out of the 88, we have confirmed 22 dead.

“So, there were about seven people treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital. There are 19 on admission at the same hospital.

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“We have relocated to Owo since that day and the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is coordinating us here. We are here to ensure that we track everybody involved.

“Presently, 66 worshippers survived the attack. A three year-old child was admitted as a result of the blast. The baby was still in shock due to the sound of the explosion.

“We thank the state governor and other stakeholders for their support since the beginning of this incident. This is a very sad situation for us in Ondo State.

“The people of the state responded by donating blood for the victims to save their lives. The Country Representative of World Health Organisation is also on ground to render assistance.”