21 people killed in church attack in southwest Nigeria: Official

• The violence broke out during a morning service at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on Sunday.
• President Muhammadu Buhari decried the “heinous massacre of worshippers”.
• The Pope said he prays for the victims and for the country.

Gunmen assaulted a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria with explosives on Sunday, killing 21 people and injuring others, as per a local government official.

The governor of Ondo State’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, said dynamite exploded inside the church in Owo town before shooters opened fire through the windows during a service.

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In a statement, Pope Francis said he had learnt of the “death of dozens of faithful,” many of whom were youngsters, on the Christian holiday of Pentecost.

“While the details of the incident are being clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and for the country,” he stated.

The attack was not claimed by any group.

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Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, described the incident as “vile and diabolical” and urged security officials to apprehend the perpetrators.

The incident comes only one day before the ruling APC party begins primary elections for its candidate in the 2023 race to succeed Buhari, a former army leader who is stepping down after two terms in government.

Regardless of who wins the campaign to lead Africa’s most populous country and greatest economy, security will remain a major concern.

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