Nigerian security forces say they have arrested four suspects in an attack on a Catholic church in June that left 40 dead. Authorities condemned the massacre by the militant group Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).
Nigerian Defense Chief of Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor announced his arrest at a news conference in Abuja on August 9.
He said on August 1 that joint security forces arrested four of his terrorists who were allegedly involved in his June church shooting in the town of Owo in southwestern Nigeria. said he did. Suspects, including the mastermind behind the attack, were arrested in Kogi state near the Nigerian capital.
On 5 June, men heavily armed with guns and explosives entered St. Francis Catholic Church, killing and wounding 40 believers. 80.
Irabor also said authorities had arrested a high-profile militant who escaped last month during an escape from Abuja prison, which ISWAP claimed responsibility for.
Irabor said the suspect could not be brought before reporters as the investigation was ongoing.
"We have done a lot and I am pleased to announce that, starting with the attack on the Owo church, we have arrested the people behind this despicable act," he said. said Mr.
Ondo state governor Rotimi Akeredor said authorities were continuing to search for the remaining perpetrators.
In response to the announcement, he said, "We have known about it for some time, but there was no need to announce it as there is still a lot of work in progress."
Residing in Abuja Jethro Titus called the police to arrest the suspect.
"Kudos to our security agencies for being able to catch those who killed innocent souls," said Titus. "What should be done to them... I think they should face the law."
But his Anthony Olajide, whose 74-year-old mother died in a church shooting, is skeptical of the announcement and wants to meet the suspect first. increase.
"I will not obey Irabol. I know the country we are in," said Orazide. "Why didn't they march? The fact that he is Secretary of Defense does not mean that what he says is gospel truth." It has struggled to contain Islamist insurgency and has seen a wave of criminal activity, including kidnappings for ransom, mainly in the northwest.
The attack on the church is the first mass murder by a terrorist group in southwestern Nigeria.
