DSS Reveals How Owo Massacre Was Planned

DSS Reveals How Owo Massacre Was Planned

A Department of State Services witness on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja how suspected terrorists were funded and organised to attack St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022.

Testifying before Justice Emeka Nwite, the protected witness said more than 40 people were killed and over 100 injured in the assault. He appeared as the ninth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial.

The official, a Deputy Director in charge of Counter Terrorism Investigation, said his team uncovered how members of an ISWAP cell planned the operation days earlier.

According to his account, the suspects met in Kogi State, received weapons including rifles and explosive devices, and were instructed to strike during Sunday service with orders to kill the priest.

Five men were later arrested in Kogi and Ondo states following intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

He narrated that on the eve of the attack, the group gathered, rehearsed their plan and moved weapons in a hired vehicle to Owo.

On arrival, they positioned themselves around the church before opening fire and setting off explosives.

The court heard that worshippers were shot while trying to flee and that several victims later died in hospital. Investigators tendered medical reports, autopsy findings and photographs from the scene as evidence.

The witness also linked a fifth defendant to the financing of the operation, alleging that funds were paid into his account weeks before the incident and distributed through point of sale transactions to members of the group.

Defence counsel asked for time to study the investigation report served on them, and the court adjourned the trial to February 18 for cross examination.