We’ve arrested gunmen behind Owo church attack, says Irabor

The Defence Headquarters says it arrested the gunmen behind the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state.

Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff, said this on Tuesday at a media conference in Abuja.

On June 5, gunmen attacked the church, with 40 people confirmed dead after the incident.

On June 17, the funeral for the slain worshippers was conducted at the Mydas Resort and Hotel in Owo.

The names and photographs of those who were killed in the church were published in the funeral handbook, while 74 names were listed as those who sustained injuries during the attack.

The gunmen were said to have detonated explosives in the church after which they proceeded to fire shots at the congregation.

Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, had said the attack was orchestrated by Islamic State West in African Province (ISWAP).

Irabor said the attackers were scheduled to be paraded, but the plan was changed because investigation is still underway.

“Within the last time we met, we have recorded remarkable achievement. Let me bring it to your notice that within the same period, there have been ignoble actions of men of the underworld that have impinged on our collective well-being, namely the unfortunate train attack, the attack on Kuje correctional centre as well as what has been reported in the past the attack on the presidential convoy.

“Also, the Owo incident which was intended to bring man and women of the armed forces to present them in a form and shape that make it to look as if the nation is on a siege. We have arrested those behind the dastardly act in Owo.

“It was my intention to present them to the public, but because of the investigation still going on, I had to change my mind. I will like to say that in due course, the world will see them and others who are behind other daring attacks in the country.”