On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owaluwa area of Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state, killing over 50 members of the congregation during the church mass, while several others were left injured.

The armed men who invaded the church in Volkswagen Golf 4 struck around 11:15 am at the peak of the service, shooting sporadically into the church, while some of them stationed themselves at the entrance of the church to prevent the people from escaping the church.

An eyewitness explained that the congregation was caught unawares when the hoodlums started shooting, saying people were running to avoid being shot while the gunmen threw dynamites into the church.

The gunmen were said to have used dynamites to detonate the altar of the church while mass was going on, leaving part of the altar caved in.

FAME Foundation condemns these gruesome killings and destruction. This barbaric act is a grave danger to national peace and security. We also commiserate with the families of the deceased and wish the dead eternal rest.

FAME Foundation calls upon the government and appropriate security agencies to take full responsibility for the security of life and property by going all out against these terrorists, sponsors, and supporters. We urge that the recent killings are not swept under the carpet and that the perpetrators of these dastardly acts are brought to book.