Ms. Mojisola Adunni Benson, 50, bravely recounts her harrowing experience during the tragic massacre at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state.
The incident, which occurred on June 5th, 2022, shook the community to its core as unknown gunmen launched a deadly assault during the Sunday morning service.
In her chilling recollection, Ms. Benson describes the serene atmosphere of the church service abruptly shattered by a sudden explosion, followed by the terrifying sound of gunfire.
Amidst the chaos, she found herself confronted with the grim reality of the massacre unfolding around her – bodies strewn, bloodied, and lifeless.
Driven by instinct for survival, Ms. Benson made a split-second decision to escape through a window, sustaining injuries in the process. Ignoring her pain, her thoughts raced to the safety of her grandmother, whom she was determined to protect.
However, as the violence intensified with menacing voices threatening more bloodshed, she sought refuge in the dense foliage behind the church.
For over an hour, she cowered in the bushes, praying for rescue amidst the cacophony of gunfire and chaos.
Finally, the arrival of law enforcement offered a glimmer of hope, prompting Ms. Benson and other survivors to emerge cautiously from hiding.
Tragically, amidst the relief of survival, Ms. Benson’s heartache deepened upon discovering her grandmother, a victim of the senseless violence, lying lifeless in a pool of blood.
The trauma of that fateful day continues to haunt her, serving as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the indiscriminate brutality of such atrocities.
Despite the anguish and loss, Ms. Benson remains resilient, finding solace in her faith and gratitude for the miracle of her survival. Her courageous testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
As the community mourns its fallen and grapples with the aftermath of the massacre, Ms. Benson’s story stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the human will to survive, rebuild, and heal.
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