By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Flags will be flown at half staff for seven days in honor of the slain at St Francis Church, Ọwọ from tomorrow.
It landed on our faces like a blinding slap. We were dazed. Ondo State has been peaceful and secure until now. By 3pm we were at the airport waiting for the Governor. With him, we drove straight to Ọwọ. The scene at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, was the most gruesome I have seen in my entire life.
There were pools of blood everywhere. Evidence of bodies dragged on the aisles creating a sweeping motif on the floor. Flesh and brain matter littered everywhere. Blood stained bags, shoes and clothing were everywhere. Nothing but horror and inhumanity defined the space. Looks like dynamite was used to blow up the altar. The terrorists hunted people down to the inner sanctum. It was dastardly. It is obvious that military grade weapons was used in the attack. It was like a war scene.
The Governor spoke and called for calm. He condemned the act and promised to hunt down the killers. The people were irate but he urged them not to retaliate against Northerners who have lived in peace with them for ages. He reminded them that these killers are from other countries and Northerners are terrorized and killed by these same people everyday in their states.
We visited the Federal Medical Center and St Louis Catholic Hospital. Seeing injured children broke the Governor. His voice quivered. 21 people are dead mostly children. The toll may rise because many are in critical condition. I counted more than 40 that are gravely injured. A three month old baby survived but but her mother did not.
Today is a sad day for us in Ondo State. I believe we were targeted given my Governor’s leadership on Security and Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn. One thing is sure. Governor Akeredolu will not blink and he will not waver. We will secure our people.
I took these pictures below. I made sure I did not take pictures that will be in violation of the dignity of victims. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. May those killed in the church today gain martyrdom and may their souls rest in peace.
P.S. This update has been corrected to reflect that the supposedly killed, newly married couple are alive.
