Abuja, Nigeria — A Catholic priest provided harrowing testimony Thursday at the Federal High Court, recounting the tragic attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where armed assailants killed 40 parishioners during a service on June 5, 2022. The priest, whose name remains confidential for security purposes, described a day that forever changed his congregation and left deep emotional scars.
During the trial of five alleged members of Al Shabab accused of orchestrating the attack, the priest testified that at least three explosives were detonated inside the church, transforming a moment of communal worship into chaos and horror. He spoke from behind a protective barrier, emphasizing the trauma that continues to affect many survivors.
Describing the final moments of the service, the priest shared how gunfire erupted just as worshippers were concluding their prayers. “It was a day etched in my memory. I was there to lead the community in worship when suddenly, everything turned chaotic,” he recounted, noting that the noise initially sparked a misunderstanding among attendees.
The attack occurred during the end of the First Pentecost Sunday service, which had drawn a large crowd. He recalled hearing a loud sound and thinking someone had fallen before realizing the danger. Two members of the church swiftly barricaded the entrance, urging the priest to escape as gunfire erupted outside.
As he hesitated, concerned for the safety of children in the congregation, he eventually led several kids to a designated safe area. Even from this refuge, the violence continued as he heard multiple explosions and gunshots. The priest vividly described how the ground seemed to tremble, creating an atmosphere of panic.
Once the chaos subsided, he emerged to a horrific scene, discovering a choir master shot and calling for assistance. “I immediately prayed for him and insisted he needed medical help,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for support. Unable to assess the full extent of casualties amid the devastation, he felt overwhelmed by the occurrence.
He recounted rushing to a nearby medical facility twice to transport victims, noting that by his second visit, emergency personnel were already inundated with casualties. “The emergency ward was overwhelmed with the wounded and deceased, and the sounds of sorrow filled the air,” he relayed.
Under questioning from the defense, he admitted that the pandemonium made it impossible for him to accurately identify the attackers or their numbers. His focus remained on aiding those in desperate need, particularly the children he felt responsible for.
Justice Emeka Nwite, overseeing the trial, has adjourned proceedings until January 2026 to allow further hearings. The events of that fateful day continue to haunt the community, which grapples with the lasting impact of the attack and the urgent need for justice.