Nigerian Army Has Arrested Those Behind Owo Church Attack – Defence Chief Irabor

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has announced that the Nigerian Army has arrested those behind the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Owo Church Massacre

KanyiDaily had reported how some gunmen stormed the church on Sunday and killed no less than 40 worshipers, while 127 others sustained gunshot injuries.

The Federal Government had claimed that the Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) was behind the attack, but the terrorist group is yet to take credit for the attack like it usually does.

Speaking with newsmen at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja on Tuesday, August 9, the Chief of Defence Staff confirmed that the Owo attackers had been arrested by the military in collaboration with other security agencies.

Irabor, who did not provide specific details on the arrests, said the suspects would be paraded after an investigation had been concluded into the matter.

He said, “Within the last time we met, we have recorded 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 center as well as what has been reported in the past 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 make 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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that a funeral mass was recently held in honour of the worshippers killed during the Owo church attack. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and a former governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko, were among the dignitaries present at the mass.