Dozens are believed to have been killed in an attack on a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria. Gunmen opened fire on churchgoers and set off explosives. The AP news agency reports that there are likely to be more than 50 victims, but authorities have not yet released an official death toll.
The churchgoers had gathered for Pentecost. According to the authorities, many children are among the dead. The priest on duty is said to have been kidnapped. Images on social media show bodies, including children, in pools of blood. A local hospital reports that several victims were brought in lifeless. The leader of the region speaks of a despicable attack on innocent civilians.
“They were hit during a moment that was just celebratory,” Pope Francis said. He says he will pray for the victims.
It is not clear who is behind the attack. Armed groups regularly carry out robberies in the predominantly Muslim north of the West African country. In many cases, they kidnap for ransom. There are also regular bloody attacks by radical Muslims on churches. Such violence is rare in the Southwest.
The governor of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, visited the church:
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