Owo Church Massacre: Priest Recounts Horror as Court Hears How Over 40 Worshippers Died

A Catholic priest on Thursday delivered a harrowing testimony before the Federal High Court in Abuja, recounting how armed attackers stormed St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, killing more than 40 worshippers on June 5, 2022.

Testifying behind a protective shield in the trial of five alleged Al Shabab members accused of carrying out the attack, the priest — identified only as “SSA” for security reasons — told the court that the assailants set off at least three explosive devices inside the church.

He explained that the service was nearing its end when sudden gunfire triggered panic among the congregation. According to him, he had been leading the Pentecost Sunday Mass when confusion erupted.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Mr. Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, the witness described June 5, 2022, as a day he would never forget.
He said:
“It was the day when the violent attack was launched on us, myself and all the worshipping community of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. It led to the death of over 40 persons among us. While some of us became maimed, some, till this point, have permanent physical injuries.”

He explained that as the recessional hymn began, a loud blast shook the building. At first, he assumed someone had slipped, but he soon noticed members rushing to lock the main entrance.
An elder then rushed to the sanctuary telling him: “Father, we are under attack.”

The priest said he initially resisted leaving but decided to help move children into a safer area attached to the church.
He continued hearing sustained gunfire and multiple explosions, with one device detonating close to where he and the children were hiding.

Once the attackers fled, some parishioners alerted him that it was safe to come out.
He said he saw several victims on the ground, including his choir master, who asked him to pray for him. The priest then helped transport the wounded to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and St. Louis Catholic Hospital in Owo.

He told the court that it was impossible to count the victims immediately due to the chaos.
According to him:
“It was with that violent attack that I understood the proverb that says, ‘The one struck or hit by a vehicle does not wait to take note of the vehicle’s number plate.’”

He made two trips to FMC with casualties and returned to find both hospitals’ emergency units filled with injured and deceased worshippers.

The priest confirmed he later gave a statement at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Akure.

During cross-examination by defence counsel, Abdullahi Mohammad, he said he could not determine how many attackers were involved.
“With the commotion in the church and my desire to rescue the victims, especially the children, I could not and I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack,” he said.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to January 13 and 14, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.

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