Massacre in Nigerian Church: Priest Kidnapped Hours Before Attack, 22 Dead and 50 Injured

Strategic Insights -

A devastating attack occurred at the Saint Francis Xavier church in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, leaving 22 people dead and 50 injured. The incident took place just hours after a Catholic priest, Father Christopher Itopa Onotu, was kidnapped from his rectory in Obangede, Kogi State. The kidnappers, reportedly armed men, forced their way into the rectory, beat Father Onotu, and took him away in his car. The Nigerian authorities have yet to take responsibility for the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by a well-armed and trained group. The event has been condemned by the Nigerian bishops, who are calling on the government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

Key Takeaways:

  • Father Christopher Itopa Onotu, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped from his rectory in Obangede, Kogi State, on Saturday, June 4.
  • A few hours after the kidnapping, a massacre occurred at the Saint Francis Xavier church in Owo, Ondo State, leaving 22 people dead and 50 injured.
  • Witnesses reported that armed men entered the rectory around 9 pm, beat Father Onotu, and took him away in his car.
  • The kidnappers allegedly forced a window and the main door to enter the rectory and took the SIM cards of Father Onotu's two mobile phones.
  • Nigerian authorities have not taken responsibility for the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by a well-armed and trained group.
  • The Nigerian bishops have condemned the attack and called on the government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
  • The president of the Nigerian Council of Lay Catholics, Sir Henry Yunkwap, warned that the government's inaction could have serious consequences for the country's stability.

Statistics:

  • 22 people were killed in the Owo church bombing on Sunday, June 5.
  • 50 people were injured in the same attack.
  • Father Christopher Itopa Onotu was kidnapped on Saturday, June 4.
  • At least 50 parishioners were initially reported as victims of the Owo church bombing.
  • The authorities have recovered some unexploded household items and numerous AK-47 shells from the scene of the attack.

Sources:

  • Fides, 6/6/2022
  • AllAfrica.com.