Two survivors of the horrific attack on St. Francis’ Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in 2022 testified before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, detailing the devastating events that led to the deaths of over 40 churchgoers.
NAIJAONPOINT es, who were present during the violent assault carried out by alleged members of the Al Shabab terrorist group, shared heart-wrenching accounts of the gunfire and explosions that targeted the church during a Sunday service.
In her testimony, a woman known as “SSC” (her identity shielded for security reasons), recounted how she was gravely injured by a dynamite thrown near her during the attack. The survivor described the chaotic moments that unfolded as sporadic gunfire erupted inside the church, causing widespread panic.
“I was confused and didn’t know what to do,” NAIJAONPOINT stated. “The gunshots threw everyone into a state of fear. An elderly woman sitting next to me was killed, and in the chaos, someone from the choir gallery grabbed me, and we ran to the altar for cover,” she said.
At the altar, NAIJAONPOINT recalled, she encountered a man who questioned them before dropping a dynamite near her head, threatening her life for looking at him. As she attempted to shift to avoid the bomb, it exploded, severely damaging her left leg.
“The blast left my leg damaged. I never knew it was still on the dynamite until it went off,” she added, stepping out of the box to show her injured leg to the court. She also revealed that over 100 people were injured during the attack, with 41 confirmed dead at the scene.
The survivor, who had undergone multiple surgeries and skin grafts, also shared that she lost her 2-year-old cousin, who was shot in the back of the head.
Another witness, an elderly man identified as “SSB,” testified about his dramatic escape. The former retiree and Owo resident recounted how he jumped out of a church window to flee the attackers.
“We were attending the Novena Mass when we first heard gunshots outside the church compound,” he explained. “Suddenly, gunfire erupted inside the church, and there was pandemonium. The Men of Order and Discipline tried to lock the doors, but the gunmen broke through and started shooting.”
Describing the attackers, NAIJAONPOINT identified one defendant in the dock as the first person to enter the church with a weapon. He said that after hearing multiple explosions, he fell to the ground in fear but later saw a man carrying a bag inspecting the church, signaling to others to leave.
“The attackers left after some time, and that’s when I saw the bodies of a woman and a man beside the church,” he continued. “The entire church was filled with blood when I visited the next day. The building was badly damaged due to the explosives and gunshots.”
The two witnesses’ emotional testimonies are part of the ongoing trial of five alleged members of the Al Shabab group accused of orchestrating the massacre. The trial, which has drawn widespread attention, is being closely watched as it unfolds in the Federal High Court.
The victims’ accounts provide chilling insight into the scale and brutality of the attack, which took place during a Pentecost Sunday service on June 5, 2022. In total, more than 40 churchgoers were killed, and dozens more were left injured.
As the case continues, victims and their families are left grappling with the painful memories of that day, while justice hangs in the balance. The court will hear further testimony, and the accused men are expected to face charges for the killings and injuries sustained during the horrific attack.