Nigerian officials announced today that authorities have arrested five suspects who killed dozens of people during mass at a Catholic church in Ondo state in June.
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is suspected of carrying out the attack on a congregation inside the St. Francis Catholic Church on June 5 which left at least 40 people dead.
ISWAP, an Islamic militant insurgency group, is mostly associated with attacks in the northeast. There are concerns the group is expanding its influence in Nigeria as such attacks are uncommon in Ondo state.
RELATED: At least 50 killed in Nigerian church massacre
The governor for Ondo state reportedly said one person believed to have provided “accommodation” to the suspects before the massacre was also arrested.
RELATED: State funeral held in Nigeria for victims killed in church attack
ISWAP has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including a deadly jail break in Abuja last month that allowed hundreds of inmates to escape. Many still remain on the loose.
More about the attack and arrests can be found here.
Blog dedicated to news and viewpoints from Black journalists who support, and inform, communities of color.
Original content, and curated articles, are posted and updated daily.