Pope Francis has expressed deep sadness over the attack at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 50 worshippers.
The Pope, in a twit on his official Twitter handle, @Pontifex, described the attack as horrific and an act of unspeakable violence.
He called for prayer for all those affected by the incident and for 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,” the twit read.
Unknown gunmen had on Sunday invade Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, firing indiscriminately at worshippers and detonating an explosive that claimed over 50 lives and injured several others.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in a series of twits described it as a “vile and satanic attack” on innocent people .
“The assailants will be hunted down and they will pay for their crimes,” he added in a message sent after being briefed at the scene.h
The governor has also declared a seven-day mourning in the State following the attack.
Akeredolu ordered all public buildings, facilities, and official residence in the state to fly flags at half-mast for seven days in honour of victims of the attacks.
He said the attack on the church’s innocent worshipers was a deliberate and calculated strike on the people of the State.