A Catholic priest on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Abuja how terrorists launched a deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, killing more than 40 worshippers and injuring over 100 others during Pentecost Sunday service in 2022.

Testifying behind a protective screen and identified as “SSA” for security reasons, the priest appeared as the first prosecution witness in the trial of five suspects being prosecuted by the Department of State Services.

The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — face a nine-count amended charge before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Narrating the events of June 5, 2022, the priest said the attack occurred towards the end of the First Pentecost Sunday Mass, which he presided over.

While being led in evidence by DSS counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the witness told the court that the attack took place towards the end of the First Pentecost Sunday celebration, which was attended by many worshippers.

The priest, who said he presided over the service, stated that as the Mass was coming to a close, they suddenly heard a loud noise followed by sporadic gunshots, which created commotion and chaos among the congregation.

Facing the congregation, he initially thought someone had fallen, but then saw two members of the community quickly lock the main entrance.