A Catholic priest on Thursday delivered an emotional and chilling testimony before the Federal High Court in Abuja, recounting how armed terrorists stormed St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, killing more than 40 worshippers and injuring many others on June 5, 2022.
Testifying behind a protective shield, the priest — identified only as “SSA” for security reasons — appeared as the first prosecution witness in the trial of five suspected members of the Al Shabab terrorist group accused of orchestrating the attack.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, the priest said the violence erupted toward the end of the First Pentecost Sunday Mass, which had drawn a large congregation. He recalled hearing a loud explosion as the recessional hymn began, followed by panic and confusion inside the church.
According to him, two parishioners immediately rushed to lock the main entrance, while another elder ran to the sanctuary to warn him that the church was under attack.
He said sporadic gunfire soon erupted outside the building, prompting elders and adults to help him shield children and lead them to a small adjoining room used as a safe space.
From there, the priest said he heard continuous gunshots and three separate explosions. The third blast landed dangerously close to the room, shaking the ground beneath them.
When the attackers finally fled, he stepped out to scenes of devastation. His choir master, shot in the chest, pleaded for prayers. Several bodies lay lifeless on the church floor.
The priest said he immediately mobilised those still strong enough to drive, urging them to transport the injured to hospitals. He personally made two trips to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, before more ambulances arrived from FMC and St. Louis Catholic Hospital.
He described the emergency ward at FMC as overwhelmed with casualties and filled with cries of grief.
He later gave a statement at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Akure.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad, the priest said he could not identify the attackers due to the chaos and his focus on rescuing children and the injured.
The case was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite to January 13 and 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
