The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 11 children and 12 adults who are victims of the terrorists’ attack in the Owo area of Ondo state are presently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
OduNews reports that gunmen attacked worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state killing over 35 persons.
According to a statement by Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management, and social development, officials of NEMA are at the hospital for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
Farouq also directed the agency to immediately provide succour to the victims and families of the attack.
“Officials from NEMA, Ekiti Operation Office have arrived at the Federal Medical Center, Owo where the dead were taken to and the injured are being treated,” the statement reads.
“NEMA is already conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the victims and the casualties.
“Meanwhile, Mr Kadiri Olarenwaju, Head NEMA Ekiti Operations Office, covering Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states has reported the admission of 22 adults and 11 children to the emergency wards at the Owo.”
The minister condemned the attack, describing the killings as “cold-blooded, evil and horrific”.
She commiserated with the families of the dead, the Catholic Church, the people, and the government of the state.
“This killing is horrific and mindless. The killing of many worshippers inside St Francis Catholic Church on a Sunday morning is condemnable,” she said.
“A lot of men, women, young girls, and children had their lives snuffed out during a church service in Owo.
“I mourn with their families and state government as well as the church. We pray for the repose of their souls.”
The Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has also ordered that flags in the state be flown at half-mast for seven days.
The governor in a statement on his Twitter handle said, ““In honour of the victims of the unfortunate attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo, I hereby direct that all flags in Ondo State be flown at half-mast for seven days, starting from today, Monday, June 6, to Sunday, June 12, 2022.
““Those who unleashed this unprovoked terror attack on our people have tested our collective resolves. We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act.”
