A Catholic priest has recounted a harrowing experience before the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing how terrorists armed with explosives attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022, killing over 40 parishioners.
Giving his Evidence-in-Chief in the ongoing trial of five alleged Al Shabab members accused of masterminding the attack, the priest, identified only as “SSA” for security reasons, said the assailants detonated at least three explosives inside the church.
The priest told the court that the attack occurred toward the end of the First Pentecost Sunday service, when the congregation was singing the closing hymn.
He said sporadic gunshots caused panic, and worshippers scrambled in chaos.
“I was performing the last rites when I heard a loud sound. At first, I thought someone had fallen, but then two members of our congregation quickly locked the main entrance, and an elder told me, ‘Father, we are under attack,’” he recounted behind a protective shield.
He added that he initially hesitated to leave the sanctuary, especially because of the children, but eventually helped move them to a safer area attached to the church.
While in this “safe place,” he continued to hear gunfire and explosions, including one that landed very close, causing the ground to appear to open beneath them.
“After the attackers left, I saw my choir master shot in the chest. I prayed for him and rushed him to the hospital.”
“On stepping out, I saw several deceased parishioners. I called for anyone able to drive to help transport the injured to medical facilities,” he said.
The priest described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with emergency wards at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, quickly overwhelmed by casualties.
He personally made several trips to ensure victims were taken to hospitals, noting the overwhelming wailing and grief among survivors.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad, he said he could not identify the attackers due to the chaos and his focus on rescuing victims.
Trial Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to January 13 and 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
