A Catholic priest on Thursday testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja, recounting how armed attackers struck St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, during a Pentecost Sunday service in June 2022. More than 40 worshippers were killed and over 100 injured in the attack.
Testifying behind a protective screen and identified only as “SSA” for security reasons, the priest appeared as the first prosecution witness in the trial of five men charged by the Department of State Services (DSS). The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — face a nine-count amended charge before Justice Emeka Nwite.
The witness told the court that the assault began near the end of the First Pentecost Mass, which he presided over. He described hearing an initial loud blast followed by gunfire, prompting panic inside the packed church. He said members attempted to secure the main entrance as confusion spread through the congregation.
Realising that many children were nearby, the priest said he and several adults moved them to a small restroom attached to the sanctuary for safety. He recounted hearing multiple explosions, including one that detonated close to their hiding place.
After the attackers fled, church members alerted him that it was safe to come out. He said he emerged to find many worshippers injured and others unresponsive, and immediately began helping transport victims to nearby hospitals. He made two trips to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, before additional ambulances arrived.
During cross-examination, the witness said he could not determine how many attackers were involved, explaining that the commotion and the urgency to protect children made it impossible to identify them. He added that he later gave a statement to the DSS in Akure.
Earlier, DSS counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN) informed the court that the charges had been amended to correct minor errors. All five defendants pleaded not guilty.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to January 13 and 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Source:Africa Publicity
