The international community has risen in condemnation of the terrorist attack on Sunday at the St. Francis Church in Owo, Ondo State.
In his statement denouncing the killings, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres emphasised that attacks on places of worship are abhorrent.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery, expressed his sympathies to the Nigerian government, and urged the government to fish out the perpetrators.
The Head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Francis has also commiserated with Nigerians over the killings.
In a tweet on his verified Twitter handle, he called for prayers for all those affected "and the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence."
I was deeply saddened to learn of the horrific attack at Saint Francis church in Owo in #Nigeria. #PrayTogether for all those affected by this act of unspeakable violence and for the conversion of those blinded by hatred and violence.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 6, 2022
The European Union (EU) expressed shock over the incident and condemned the attack.
The Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell said the EU stood “in solidarity with the people of Ondo State and in particular the families who have lost their loved ones.”
He called for speedy justice while bemoaning how “unacceptable attacks by non-state armed groups are becoming recurrent in various parts of Nigeria.”
On her part, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing tweeted her condemnation and expressed sympathies to all those affected.
Terrible news today from Owo in Ondo state.
— Catriona Laing (@CatrionaLaing1) June 5, 2022
I condemn those responsible for this horrific crime.
I extend my sympathies to all those affected.
In the meantime, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has ordered the deployment of specialised operatives to investigate the incident.
A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the operatives would be drawn from the Police Explosive Ordnance Devices-Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (EOD-CBRNE) and other tactical units from the Force Headquarters.
