More than 50 people are believed to have died after gunmen opened fire on worshipers at a Catholic church in Nigeria.
Politician Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole said the attackers targeted the St Francis Catholic Church in the town of Owo, southwestern Ondo state, just as worshipers gathered on Pentecost Sunday.
Authorities did not release an official number of the immediate dead, but Mr Oluwole said many children were among those killed.
Adelegbe Timileyin, who represents the Owo region in Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber, said at least 50 people had been killed, although others put the toll higher.
Photo: Rahman A Yusuf / AP
Mr. Timileyin added that the priest of the church was also kidnapped.
Videos that appear to be from the scene of the attack show worshipers lying in pools of blood while bystanders wail.
It is not yet clear who is behind the attack.
‘Our hearts are heavy’
Rotimi State Governor Akeredolu said he was shocked by the attack, adding: “Our peace and tranquility has been attacked by the enemies of the people.”
In a statement, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said: “Only youkai from the vicinity can conceive and carry out such atrocious deed.”
President-elect after declaring an end to the long-running security crisis in Nigeria.
Pope Francis prays for the victims
The Vatican said Pope Francis is “praying for the victims and the country painfully affected at the moment of the anniversary”.
Photo: Rahman A Yusuf / AP
While much of Nigeria struggles with security issues, Ondo is widely known as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
The town of Owo is about 214 miles (345km) east of the country’s capital, Lagos.
