Owo Church Attack: Survivor Recounts How Explosive Blast Caused Permanent Injury

Two individuals who survived the deadly assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have given emotional testimonies before a Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the chaos and trauma that followed the 2022 attack which claimed about 40 lives.

The witnesses appeared in court during the ongoing trial of five suspects accused of planning and executing the violent incident. The attack occurred while worshippers were attending a church service, turning a peaceful gathering into a scene of fear and devastation.

According to the testimonies, the attackers stormed the church and opened fire, while several explosive devices were also detonated within the premises. The assailants are alleged to be linked to the Al-Shabab extremist group.

One of the survivors, whose identity was concealed for security reasons and identified only as “SSC,” gave her account from behind a protective screen. She told the court that she suffered a serious injury to her left leg as a result of one of the explosives used during the attack.

The witness explained that the sudden sound of gunfire caused widespread panic inside the church, leaving her disoriented and unsure of how to escape. She recalled that the situation worsened after an elderly woman seated near her was fatally struck, prompting a member of the church choir to pull her toward the altar area in an attempt to find safety.

While at the altar, she said she was assisted by another worshipper, identified as Chinedu Ojukwu, who helped her lie flat on the floor as the attack continued. Moments later, the attackers reportedly moved toward the altar and questioned the worshippers about their actions.

The witness narrated that one of the assailants noticed her movement and issued a threat. Shortly after, an explosive device was placed close to her. Although she attempted to move away after being warned, she was unaware that part of her body was still within the blast range when the device detonated, resulting in a severe leg injury.

During the proceedings, the court requested confirmation of her claims. The witness stepped forward and physically displayed her injured leg to substantiate her testimony.

The second survivor also shared a separate account supporting the sequence of events, reinforcing the prosecution’s case against the accused persons. The trial continues as the court examines evidence and testimonies linked to one of the most tragic attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history.