Dozens of victims (at least 50, including women and children) of an attack launched in the church of San Francesco , in the Nigerian state of Ondo, by a commando of armed men on the day of Pentecost.
According to what is learned there was an explosion, while no priest would have been kidnapped , as instead it was known at first. "All the priests in the parish are safe now and no one has been kidnapped", the Nigerian diocese of Ondo specifies. The bishop, Msgr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, is on the spot and "asks to remain calm and pray for peace and normality to return to our community", reads a note.
"I was passing by when I heard a loud explosion and shots inside the church ," said a witness, stating that he had seen at least five armed men before fleeing for safety. Responsibility for the attack has not been claimed at this time.
According to the spokesman for the state police, Ibukun Odunlami, the attack took place with firearms and explosives . "It is still too early to say exactly how many people were killed. But many faithful lost their lives and others were injured in the attack," he told AFP.
THE POPE - "The Pope learned of the attack on the church in Ondo, Nigeria, and the death of dozens of faithful, many children, during the celebration of Pentecost. While the details of the incident are being clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and for the country , painfully struck in a moment of celebration, and entrusts both to the Lord, so that He may send His Spirit to console them ". This was reported by the Vatican press office.
(Unioneonline / D)