Nigerian lawyers hold up the national flag as they assemble at the secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association during a protest in Abuja on Jan. 28, 2019. Photo: Sodiq Adelakun/AFP via Getty Images
Dozens were killed in Nigeria on Sunday after gunmen opened fire and detonated explosives at a church, according to the AP.
Driving the news: At least 50 are feared dead after the attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Nigeria, although authorities have not released an official death toll, the AP reported. The presiding priest was also abducted, according to the AP.
What they're saying: "I am deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St. Francis Catholic Church," said Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo state, in a tweet. Owo is located in Ondo state.
- "It is a black Sunday in Owo," he added. "Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state."
- "We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay," Akeredolu said.
Details: Worshippers had gathered at the church to celebrate Pentecost Sunday, according to the AP.
- Pope Francis said in a statement from the Vatican press office that he "prays for the victims and for the country, painfully attacked at a time of celebration, and he entrusts everyone to the Lord, that God might send His Spirit to console them."