Chief of defence staff reveals that masterminds of Owo church attack have been arrested

NIGERIAN military operatives have successfully arrested the masterminds behind the gruesome mass murder at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo that took place on June 5 this year leaving 40 people dead.

In what was a well planned operation, a group of gunmen entered the church in Owo town in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, disguised as congregants, carrying bags that contained firearms. Another group took positions outside the church, where improvised explosive devices were detonated and then both groups began firing on worshippers, ensuring a mass slaughter.

During the attack, the main entrance to the church was locked and the gunmen inside shot at anyone who moved, while passersby also were struck by bullets. Videos from the inside of the church showed bodies of victims lying in pools of blood across the floor in what Governor Rotimi Akeredolu called a vile and satanic attack.

General Irabor said: “Since the last time we met, we have recorded a remarkable achievement. Let me bring it to your notice that within the same period, there have been ignoble actions of men of the underworld that have impinged on our collective well-being, namely the unfortunate train attack, the attack on Kuje correctional centre as well as what has been reported in the past as the attack on the presidential convoy.

“Also, the Owo incident which was intended to bring man and women of the armed forces to present them in a form and shape that makes it to look as if the nation is on a siege. We have arrested those behind the dastardly act in Owo.

“It was my intention to present them to the public but because of the investigation still going on, I had to change my mind. I will like to say that in due course, the world will see them and others who are behind other daring attacks in the country.”

After the attack, Governor Akeredolu had vowed to commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay.  According to the federal government, Islamic States of West Africa Province (Iswap) terrorists were behind the attack but Governor Akeredolu said the government's conclusion was too hasty since Iswap  tends to take responsibility for its attacks.