Most Reverend Jude Arogundade who is the overall Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, has described as “madness” the attack on worshippers by gunmen suspected to be bandits.
According to the Bishop, who visited the scene of the incident, the attack is an indication that the country is at war.
Gunmen suspected to be bandits had on Sunday morning invaded Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Owo Local Government where scores of worshippers were killed.
Arogundade maintained that all over the world there is nowhere people will slaughter babies, children, husbands and wives worshipping on Pentecost day.
The Bishop added that those who were running out were being shot from outside while those who were inside were shot inside.
“They threw dynamite at the altar to blow it down to the sanctuary. Only the evil ones are capable of such desecration.
“Probably what the rest of the world should know is that Nigeria is at war, and this type of war is geared towards civilians.
“I’m not sure what point someone is trying to make with this kind of cruelty, but whatever point they were trying to make, they have failed miserably,” he said.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has also expressed their sympathies to the Owo community, the government and people of Ondo State, and the country in general over the attack on worshipers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi Governor, the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, conveyed the sympathy in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja. He described it as a gory, ugly, and gruesome act by extremely wicked persons.
“We mourn with the people of Ondo State. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) wishes to express its deepest sympathies to the Owo community, the government and people of Ondo State and the country in general following the attack on worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State in which scores of people were reportedly killed.
“The NGF considers this a gory, ugly, and gruesome act by extremely wicked and warped minds meted out to innocent victims on a holy day.
“However, in the spirit of all our faiths, we pray for them. May God forgive and grant them mercy.
“As Governors, on our oath, we solemnly pledge to work with Mr President, all citizens and residents of our dear Country, Nigeria to assure you of a fully secure environment.
“Our goal is to halt brutalities, address unresolved criminal acts and ensure all killers are ultimately brought to face the consequences of their actions,” the statement read in parts.
Recall that exactly a week ago, the head of the Methodist Church in Nigeria was abducted along with two other clerics in the southeast of the country.
The Methodist prelate said he paid $240,000 (£190,000) or N100 million to be freed with his companions.
Two weeks ago, two Catholic priests were kidnapped in Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state in the north of the country. They have not been released.
In March, gunmen targeted the vital rail link between Abuja and the northern city of Kaduna killing at least nine people and kidnapping dozens of others, many of whom are still being held.
