I Lost My Legs That Day” — Owo Church Attack Survivor Recounts Horror Of Explosions And Gunfire

Two survivors of the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in 2022 on Tuesday gave emotional testimonies before a Federal High Court in Abuja, recounting how the incident claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers.

The witnesses, who were present during the assault allegedly carried out by members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group, described how gunfire and explosions disrupted a Sunday church service and threw the congregation into panic.

One of the witnesses, identified as “SSC” for security reasons, told the court that she sustained life-altering injuries after an explosive device was detonated near her. She explained that confusion broke out when gunshots were fired inside the church, causing people to flee in different directions.

She recounted that an elderly woman seated beside her was killed during the chaos, and that she was pulled by someone from the choir area as they sought safety near the altar. While there, she encountered a man who threatened her before dropping an explosive device close by. The explosion severely injured her leg, which later required multiple surgeries and skin grafts.

The survivor told the court that more than 100 people were injured during the attack, while 41 worshippers died at the scene. She also revealed that she lost her two-year-old cousin in the incident.

Another witness, an elderly man identified as “SSB,” testified that he escaped by jumping through a church window. He said the congregation was attending a Novena Mass when they first heard gunshots outside the church, which soon spread inside the building.

He explained that church officials attempted to secure the doors, but the attackers forced their way in and opened fire. The witness identified one of the defendants as the first armed individual to enter the church. He added that after several explosions, he fell to the ground in fear before later seeing one of the attackers signal others to withdraw.

According to him, the aftermath was devastating, with bodies lying near the church premises and extensive damage to the building caused by gunfire and explosives.

The testimonies form part of the ongoing trial of five alleged members of the Al-Shabab group accused of planning and carrying out the attack. The case, which continues to draw national attention, is being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The accounts offered by the survivors provide a sobering picture of the scale of the violence that unfolded during the Pentecost Sunday service on June 5, 2022, leaving dozens dead and many others injured.

As proceedings continue, victims and their families remain hopeful that justice will be served for the lives lost and the suffering endured during the tragic incident.