Firing in Nigeria's Church: At least 50 people, including women and children, were killed and several injured in a surprise attack by gunmen on a Catholic church in Nigeria's Ondo state on Sunday.
The Daily Sabah reported that the attack took place in Owo, a city in Ondo state, as a large number of people gathered in the church during morning prayers on Sunday.
According to the agency, the gunmen first detonated explosives near the church and then opened fire on the worshippers, killing several people on the spot.
After firing in the church, the attackers kidnapped the chief priest of the church. It is feared that this attack on the church has been done by Muslim terrorists operating in the country.
An official said it is difficult to tell the casualties as security personnel rushed to the spot to rescue those present.
He said the injured victims were taken to a government hospital in the city of Owo. Ondo state governor Arakunrin Akeredolu confirmed the attack in a statement. In his statement, the governor said, "Deeply saddened by the attack and murder of innocent people of Owo at St. Francis Catholic Church today."
President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, calling it a "dastardly act".
So far no group or organization has claimed responsibility for the attack, nor has the motive of the attack been known.
