Nigerian millitary confirms arrest of Owo Church attackers

File photo: Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (M), speaking to newsmen

The military high command has confirmed the arrest of terrorist that attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state. 

The Defence Headquarters in a meeting with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, August 8, confirmed the arrest.

The arrest, according to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor was made possible by joint operations of all the security agencies.

During the parley with media executives, CDS Iraboh disclosed that one of the masterminds of the attack is Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza.

“Omeiza is one of the masterminds of the 5th June attack of the Catholic Church in Owo as well as the attack on a police station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State that led to the killing of a policeman as well as weapons carted away."

The CDS added that Omeiza was arrested on Monday, August 1, at Eka Okehi Kogi state during an operation by the military with other branches of security.

The CDS, who listed their names noted that the suspects, who are members of Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) are in custody.

Recall that about 40 people were killed when the gunmen stormed the church on June 5, opened fire on the congregation, and also detonated explosives as the worshippers scampered for safety.

Operatives of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State had earlier claimed they also arrested some suspects in connection with the killings

Briefing journalists in Akure on June 23, the state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, expressed assurance that all the attackers of the worship center would be apprehended.

Adeleye, however, did not give the actual figure of the suspected terrorists arrested.

“As regards the Owo incident, we have recovered the last vehicle they used for that operation and we made some arrests and we have also recovered some vital things which we are working on,” he said.

“A number of people have been arrested concerning the Owo issue as well as a well number of equipment. On that day, we pursued them to the point that we recovered the vehicle and we are still pursuing them We have told you that until we get to the root, I can assure you that the perpetrators and their sponsors will be brought to book.”

In a related development, traditionalists in Ondo town had laid curses on bandits, terrorists herdsmen who might want to come to the ancient city to cause havoc.