Nigeria links church attack in Ondo state to ISWAP terror group

By Timothy Olanrewaju

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - The Nigerian government said Thursday that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group was responsible for an attack on a church in the town of Owo in Ondo state that left over 30 worshippers dead.

Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola revealed at the Presidential Villa that the country's security agencies have linked the terrorists with Sunday’s attack.

"ISWAP, wanting attention, are suspected to be behind the attack at the church in Owo," he disclosed at a joint press conference with the Inspector General of Police.

He said the government has directed security forces to go after the attackers.

Aregbesola insisted that the attack was not targeted at any religion.

Police Inspector-General Alkali Baba Usman also announced that the police have launched an investigation into the incident

"The investigation will, in the nearest future, tell us what the situation will be,” he said.

It marked the first official response by the authorities since the incident occurred.

Over a dozen masked gunmen with assault rifles invaded St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo during Sunday mass, killing around 35 worshippers.

The incident drew outrage across the country.

Nigeria faces security challenges including terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes.