A Catholic priest on Thursday delivered an emotional and chilling testimony before the Federal High Court in Abuja, recounting how terrorists stormed St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, killing over 40 worshippers and injuring more than 100 during the 2022 Pentecost Sunday service.
The priest, identified only as “SSA” for security reasons, testified behind a protective screen as the first prosecution witness in the trial of five men charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the massacre.
The accused — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — are standing trial on a nine-count amended charge before Justice Emeka Nwite.
“A Loud Boom… Then Chaos”
Narrating the tragic events of June 5, 2022, the priest said the violence erupted just as the First Pentecost Sunday Mass he presided over was ending.
“As the Mass was coming to a close, we suddenly heard a loud noise, followed by sporadic gunshots,” he told the court. “There was commotion and chaos among the congregation.”
He recalled thinking a member had fallen until he saw parishioners rushing to secure the entrance. Moments later, an elder ran towards him shouting that the church was under attack.
“I heard more gunshots outside. I wanted to run, but the children were there. I could not leave them.”
Hiding With the Children as Explosions Rocked the Church
The priest said he quickly led some adults to shepherd children into the restroom attached to the sanctuary — the only safe spot he could find.
“We kept hearing gunshots,” he said. “Then there were two explosions. A third blast shook the ground as if it wanted to swallow us.”
When church members later informed him the attackers had fled, he stepped out into a scene of devastation.
“I Saw My Choir Master Shot in the Chest”
“Bodies were scattered everywhere,” he recounted. “My choir master had been shot in the chest. He called me to pray for him, and I did — but I insisted he must be taken to the hospital.”
He said he shouted for anyone capable of driving to help rush the wounded to medical facilities. He personally made two trips to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo.
“By the time I returned the second time, ambulances from FMC and St. Louis Hospital had arrived. The emergency ward was full. The wailing and crying… I couldn’t drive anymore.”
“I Couldn’t Identify the Attackers”
Under cross-examination, the priest said he could not estimate the number of fatalities due to the chaos.
“It was like that proverb: the person hit by a vehicle does not wait to check the number plate.”
He also stated that he could not identify the attackers, explaining that his priority was to save children and usher worshippers to safety.
Earlier, DSS counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN) told the court the charges had been amended to correct minor errors. The defendants maintained their plea of not guilty.
Justice Nwite adjourned further hearing to January 13 and 14, 2026.
