By Muhammad Mamman
A woman has told a federal high court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, how she lost both legs and an eye during a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022.
Testifying before the court, the woman, identified only as SSD to protect her identity, recounted the events of June 5, 2022, when gunmen stormed St Francis Xavier Catholic Church during a Sunday service. The attack left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured.
SSD appeared in court alongside her husband in the ongoing trial of five men accused of carrying out the assault. Prosecutors say the defendants were involved in planning and executing one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in southwestern Nigeria in recent years.
According to her testimony, the explosion and gunfire inside the church caused catastrophic injuries that led to the amputation of both her legs and the loss of one eye. She described the long-term impact of the attack on her health, mobility and daily life.
The court also heard from her husband, who spoke about the physical, emotional and financial toll the incident has taken on their family since the attack.
The Owo church assault shocked the country and drew widespread condemnation from religious leaders, civil society groups and the international community. Authorities have described the case as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to securing justice for victims of mass-casualty attacks.
The trial continues as the prosecution presents further witnesses.
