Nigeria’s insecurity issues continue to escalate and provide horrific news reports. On Sunday, June 5, gunmen opened fire on worshipers and detonated explosives at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, killing at least 50 people.
A gory and gruesome video that circulated on social media, reportedly from the aftermath of the attack, showed church members laying in pools of blood while those around them wept. According to reports, many children were among the deceased, and the presiding priest was also kidnapped.
“Our hearts are heavy,” Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu tweeted on Sunday, “the enemies of the people have attacked our peace and tranquillity.”
I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Today.
The vile & satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years. pic.twitter.com/30fMbfnOxc
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack.
I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.
— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 5, 2022
In a statement, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said, “only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act. No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win.”
As details about the shooting continue to emerge and the victims are identified, here are some ways you can help their families and communities.
Donations
Individuals wounded in the attack were transported to different hospitals in the states, as reported by some Twitter users. The majority of the survivors are being treated at the Federal Medical Center in Owo.
- BOAT Foundation, a non-profit that funds the procurement of medical supplies (blood, oxygen, and medicines) for low-income patients across Africa, is looking for people to partner with or donate to save the lives of the victims. You can donate blood or money. For more info on how you can help reach out to contact boat@lifebank.ng
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- If you’re in Akure and you want to donate blood for the victims of the Ondo shooting, you can head over to Mother and Child Hospital, Oke Aro, Akure. It has been designated as a donation centre for people in Akure and environs. They’ll then take the blood to FMC, Owo.
If you’re in Akure and wish to donate blood for the victims of the Ondo shooting, please head to Mother and Child Hospital, Oke Aro, Akure. It has been designated as donation Centre for people in Akure and environs. They’ll then take the blood to FMC,Owo
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— DR.PENKING™ 🇦🇺🇳🇬 #PeterObi (@drpenking) June 5, 2022
See more tweets of hospitals calling for donations for the victims.
If you’re in Owo, Ondo State, the Federal Medical Center and St. Louis Hospital Oke Ogun urgently need blood donations of any type. Medics and other palliative care volunteers are also needed in response to the church massacre.
— Uju Anya (@UjuAnya) June 5, 2022
Please if you are in Owo Town Ondo state, heard to the FMC Owo and assist anyway you can.
Massive blood donation required.
May all those who lost their lives in the church, through the mercy of God rest in peace.
May we not lose our humanity.
— nnaemeka, (@nnamexi) June 5, 2022
Other ways to support
For those who are unable to help financially, you can consider doing the following:
- Tweet about it. Make the right noise about it on social media.
- Call your state and local government reps to voice your opinion on the insecurity in the country. Remember, while you may feel helpless, you’re not. If enough of us call our representatives, change will happen.
