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Coordinates: 07°11′40″N 05°35′01″E / 7.19444°N 5.58361°E / 7.19444; 5.58361
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| accused = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Islamic State – West Africa Province]]
| accused = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Islamic State – West Africa Province]]
You know, why does Wikipedia always create articles of attacks in Nigeria and think it’s notable when in reality no one cares about it
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On 5 June 2022, a [[mass shooting]] and [[Improvised explosive device|bomb attack]] occurred at a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Church (building)|church]] in the city of [[Owo]], [[Ondo State]], [[Nigeria]]. At least 40 people were killed. Federal authorities suspect the [[Islamic State – West Africa Province]] of carrying out the [[massacre]].
On 5 June 2022, a [[mass shooting]] and [[Improvised explosive device|bomb attack]] occurred at a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Church (building)|church]] in the city of [[Owo]], [[Ondo State]], [[Nigeria]]. At least 40 people were killed. Federal authorities suspect the [[Islamic State – West Africa Province]] of carrying out the [[massacre]].


Revision as of 22:03, 16 June 2022

{{Infobox civilian attack | title = Owo church attack | partof = religious violence in Nigeria | image = | image_size = | alt = | map = Map | map_caption = Location of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Nigeria | location = Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria | target = Christian worshippers at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church | coordinates = 07°11′40″N 05°35′01″E / 7.19444°N 5.58361°E / 7.19444; 5.58361 | date = 5 June 2022; 2 years ago (2022-06-05) | time = | timezone = | type = Mass shooting, bombing, mass murder | fatalities = 40 confirmed
50+ (reported) | injuries = Unknown
61+ (per government agencies) | numparts = 5+ | weapons = | accused = Islamic State Islamic State – West Africa Province You know, why does Wikipedia always create articles of attacks in Nigeria and think it’s notable when in reality no one cares about it On 5 June 2022, a mass shooting and bomb attack occurred at a Catholic church in the city of Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. At least 40 people were killed. Federal authorities suspect the Islamic State – West Africa Province of carrying out the massacre.

Background

Further information: Boko Haram, Boko Haram insurgency, Communal conflicts in Nigeria, Herder–farmer conflicts in Nigeria, Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria, Nigerian bandit conflict, and Religious violence in Nigeria

Ondo State is a relatively peaceful state in southwestern Nigeria. Most of the rest of the country[1] suffers low-intensity conflicts, including a jihadist insurgency mostly in the northeast, and a conflict with bandits in the northwest, both of which have continued for more than a decade. A separate low-level insurgency in the southeast led by the Indigenous People of Biafra movement began in 2021. An increase in violence between farmers and nomads in Ondo had been recorded prior to the massacre,[2] and the state's government had recently passed restrictions on grazing.[3]

Attack

The attack took place at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in the Owo local government area and began at around 11:30 AM (GMT+1) as Worshippers inside the church were holding mass and celebrating Pentecost.[2][4] A group of gunmen entered the church disguised as congregants, carrying with them inside bags which contained firearms. Outside another group took positions around the church premises. After getting into position the terrorists detonated improvised explosive devices planted outside the church and both groups began opening fire on worshippers.[4] Those outside the church began shooting directly into it while those disguised as congregates armed themselves, shooting a boy who was selling candy at the entrance.[5][6] Gunmen shot at worshippers trying to run through the only two open sets of doors as the main entrance was locked.[7] Gunmen inside shot at anyone who moved, passersby were also struck by bullets.[8][7] Videos of the church inside showed bodies of victims lying in pools of blood across the floor.[3][9] After the attack the gunmen fled using a stolen Nissan Sunny.[4]

A priest who survived the massacre said that the attack took place when the church "[was] about to round off service. I had even asked people to start leaving, that was how we started hearing gunshots from different angles. We hid inside the church but some people had left when the attack happened. We locked ourselves in the church for 20 minutes. When we heard that they had left, we opened the church and rushed victims to the hospital."[10] Another priest who had temporarily left the building prior to the attack said he was walking back to the church when survivors running outside stopped him and told him that a massacre was taking place inside.[11]

A witness said that he saw five gunmen who perpetrated the attack.[12] Two security forces officers were also killed.[13]

Casualties

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on 7 June that at least 22 dead bodies from the attack were in the local hospital's morgue, including two children,[14] and that at least 58 had been injured.[15][16] Many of the dead bodies at the church had been taken by their family members to a private burial at home, indicating a higher death toll.[14] On 9 June the government revised its death toll to at least 40, saying that 61 injured survivors were still in the hospital.[16][17]

Witnesses and media agencies placed the number of people killed at over 50. Local politician Adelegbe Timileyin said there were over 50 fatalities including children, while other sources estimated a higher death count.[2][18] A doctor said that at least 50 bodies had been recovered.[19][20] Timileyin also said that the priest had been abducted, which the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ondo denied.[12][21] The Diocese's reverend clarified that the priest and other clergymen were safe.[22] Ondo State House of Assembly majority leader Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi visited the attack site and counted at least 20 dead, estimating the death toll at somewhere between 70 and 100.[23] Doctors told reporters that the attack had caused a mass-casualty incident and the local hospitals were overwhelmed with victims.[11] ABC News cited an unnamed source who reported there were bodies of 82 victims stored in a local morgue while another source briefed on the recent U.S. intelligence assessment estimated deaths to be above 80.[24]

Aftermath

Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, cancelled his trip in Abuja and went to the scene of the attack;[25] he called it "vile and satanic",[26] as well as a "black Sunday in Owo".[27] Akeredolu vowed to "commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay."[26] President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, condemned the massacre saying it was a "heinous attack on worshippers."[12] Pope Francis prayed for the victims who were "painfully stricken in a moment of celebration."[12] The rebel Indigenous People of Biafra organization, which seeks to restore the separatist Igbo state of Biafra, called the attack as an "unacceptable" action and an Islamic terror attack, asserting that "Christians should stop their dependence on government of Nigeria for security of life and properties... The current regime has only one interest and that is [the] Fulani interest." IPOB said that Biafran separatist groups should defend churches in Southern Nigeria.[28]

The Amotekun Corps meanwhile announced deployment of its forces to protect churches and mosques in the state on 12 June.[29]

The massacre was received with widespread shock from the Nigerian public. The response by President Buhari and his All Progressives Congress party was criticized as inadequate, and Buhari sparked controversy after he was caught hosting a party with other APC members hours after the attack.[30]

Culpability

No group has yet claimed responsibility,[26] and the authorities or government officials have not blamed anyone; numerous Owo locals from the Yoruba ethnic group have accused members of the Hausa and Fulani herdsmen groups of complicity.[31] Police found three undetonated improvised explosive devices at the scene, as well as several shells from AK-47 ammunition.[32][33]

The federal government of Nigeria identified the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) group as being behind the attack on 9 June. Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola stated that the security forces were pursuing the culprits. Local elders, including Owo's king Kabiyesi, attempted to calm anger among the residents after the massacre in order to prevent reprisal attacks.[34][17] Akeredolu however cast doubt on the federal government's declaration, stating that it was "too hasty" since ISWAP tended to take responsibility for its attacks.[35][36][37]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Nigeria Owo church attack: Gunmen kill Catholic worshippers in Ondo". BBC News. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Over 50 feared dead in Nigeria church attack, officials say". AP NEWS. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Nigeria: gunmen kill dozens in 'satanic' attack on Catholic church". the Guardian. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b c "Owo Church Attack: Police recover 3 unexploded bombs". Vanguard News. 6 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  5. ^ "Nigeria church massacre: What happened and why?". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  6. ^ Adetayo, Ope. "'Last prayer': Nigerian church massacre survivors recount ordeal". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Gunmen at Nigeria church shot from both inside and outside". AP NEWS. 6 June 2022. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  8. ^ News, A. B. C. "Dozens feared dead after gunmen attack Nigerian church, officials say". ABC News. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. ^ "UPDATED: Many killed in Ondo church attack". Punch Newspapers. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  10. ^ "'We were locked in the church for over 20 minutes', priest speaks on Ondo attack". Daily Trust. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  11. ^ a b "Nigerian forces hunt for gunmen who killed 50 at church". AP NEWS. 6 June 2022. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d "Worshippers gunned down during church service in Nigeria". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  13. ^ Babajide, Abdul (5 June 2022). "Foreigners from Mali trained in Libya behind attack on Owo Catholic church – Akeredolu". Daily Post Nigeria. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Infants among 22 worshippers killed in Nigeria church attack". AP NEWS. 7 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  15. ^ Reuters (7 June 2022). "Nigeria church attack killed 22 and injured 50, official says". Reuters. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ a b Api, Cue (9 June 2022). "Nigeria church attack: Toll rises to 40, over 60 injured". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.(subscription required)
  17. ^ a b Abuja, Reuters in (9 June 2022). "Islamic State affiliate suspected of Catholic church massacre, Nigeria says". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  18. ^ "Over 50 Feared Dead in Nigeria Church Attack, Officials say". VOA. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  19. ^ Owoeye, Fikayo (5 June 2022). "At least 50 dead after gunmen attack worshippers at church in Nigeria". Reuters. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  20. ^ Staff, Foreign. "Children are among dead in church attack in Nigeria". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  21. ^ "Owo attack: No priest was kidnapped, says Catholic church". Punch Newspapers. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  22. ^ Owoeye, Fikayo (5 June 2022). "At least 50 killed in massacre at Catholic church in southwest Nigeria". Reuters. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  23. ^ Ezeamalu, Ben; Peltier, Elian (5 June 2022). "Dozens Feared Dead in Church Attack in Nigeria". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  24. ^ "Over 80 feared dead in attack on Catholic church in Nigeria, sources say". ABC News. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  25. ^ "Several dead in Nigeria as gunmen attack Catholic church". The Guardian. Reuters. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  26. ^ a b c "'Evil and wicked': Dozens killed in Nigeria church attack". Al Jazeera. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  27. ^ CNN, Nimi Princewill and Amy Cassidy (5 June 2022). "Mass shooting at Nigeria church kills dozens, says local lawmaker". CNN. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  28. ^ "IPOB declares attack on Ondo Catholic Church worshippers unacceptable". Vanguard News. 8 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Ondo Church Attack: Osun Deploys Amotekun Security Personnel To Protect Churches, Mosques". Sahara Reporters. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  30. ^ "Nigeria Owo church attack: Blood on the altar". BBC News. 6 June 2022. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  31. ^ Adelaja, Temilade; Sanni, Kazeem (6 June 2022). "Pain and horror follow massacre in Nigerian Catholic church". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  32. ^ "Owo Church Attack: Police recover 3 unexploded bombs". Vanguard News. 6 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  33. ^ Adelaja, Temilade; Sanni, Kazeem (7 June 2022). "Police recover explosives following massacre in Nigerian Catholic church". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  34. ^ Obiezu, Timothy (10 June 2022). "ISWAP behind Owo church attack, says FG". Voice of America. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  35. ^ Adeyeye, Oluwafemi (10 June 2022). "Ondo Church Massacre: FG's conclusion on ISWAP too hasty – Akeredolu". The Witness Newspaper. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  36. ^ "Owo Massacre: FG's conclusion on ISWAP too hasty – Gov Akeredolu". News360 Info - Breaking News, Nigerian News and Multimedia, World News. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  37. ^ Ogbuanoh, Jossey. "Ginja Me - News: Owo massacre: Federal Governments conclusion on ISWAP too hasty – Akeredolu". Ginja Me. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
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