Owo on Edge as Bandits Threaten New Attack on Catholic Church

Owo, a historic town in Ondo State, has been plunged into fresh anxiety following a threat by unidentified bandits to launch another attack on St Francis Catholic Church. The same church was the target of a deadly assault on June 5, 2022, during Pentecost Sunday, when gunmen killed 41 worshippers and injured 69 others in one of Nigeria’s worst attacks on a religious institution.

In a letter sent to the church, the attackers, whose identities remain unknown, warned of an impending strike. While no specific date was mentioned, the threat has heightened fears among residents, many of whom are still traumatized by the 2022 tragedy.

In response to the growing concerns, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, has called for urgent action and will lead a security summit aimed at tackling the rising insecurity in the area. According to the event’s publicity secretary, Mr Bosun Oladimeji, the summit—titled “Securing Owo and its Environs: Strategies for Community Safety and Resilience”—is scheduled to hold next week.

The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between residents and security agencies, enhance awareness around safety, and propose long-term security strategies. A major goal of the summit is the creation of a Security Trust Fund to support sustained efforts in protecting the community from future attacks.