Justice can’t restore my legs, eye lost to terrorists — Owo attack survivor

Margaret Attah, a survivor of the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, speaks to PETER DADA about the incident that left her without legs and one eye, and the recent court judgment delivered against some of the attackers

I am from Ile-Oluji in Ondo State, but married to an Akoko man from the same state.

I am a registered nurse. I work with the Ondo State Hospital Management Board at one of the general hospitals.

Can you recall how the terrorists struck on that fateful day?

It was June 5, 2022, a Pentecost Sunday. I went to church that morning with my family: my husband, three children, and my mother-in-law.

I am a member of the choir, so I was seated in the choir gallery singing praises to God. Everything was going fine until it was time for the priest to give the final blessing.

Then we heard a loud sound from outside. At first, we wondered what was happening. It was not during the festive period when we could assume it was fireworks. Then came a second gunshot, and everyone realised something was wrong.

Some of the church wardens went outside to check and returned shortly afterwards, saying there were gunmen outside and that everyone should try to hide.

Immediately, panic set in. From the choir gallery, I ran to the altar where many people had already lain down. I lay on top of some of them, while others were on top of me.

Gunshots started coming from every direction. The attackers tried to lock the entrance and windows, but before they could do so, the gunmen had already entered the church.

They began shooting sporadically, and people were running in different directions. I remained at the altar, lying face down.

Then I heard a loud explosion, which I later learnt was dynamite. After that blast, everything went blank.

When I regained consciousness, I realised I was still alive, but when I touched my body, I saw blood everywhere. I touched my eyes and legs, but I could not speak as my voice was gone.

I could barely hear anything beyond a short distance. I began to shout for help, saying, “Ambulance, help!” They eventually came to my rescue as they were evacuating other victims. St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, after the attack by terrorists Credit: Voice of America

I was taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Ondo town, where I received treatment alongside other victims.

Later, we learned that about 41 parishioners were killed, while many others were injured: women, men, and children.

After treatment, I lost both legs due to severe damage and also lost my left eye. I now use prosthetic limbs and an artificial eye, and I have been in a wheelchair since then.

Where were your husband and children during the attack?

When I lay face down, I was praying silently, asking God for help because I did not know where my husband, children, and mother-in-law had gone.

When I regained consciousness, I was just grateful to be alive. I kept asking for my children and husband when I got to the hospital, but I could barely speak.

People kept reassuring me, and later, my children were brought to me. I was also told that my mother-in-law sustained only minor injuries. I thank God that we all survived.

Since the incident, have you stopped attending church services?

Not at all. If I do not go to church and something is destined to happen, it will still happen. Some people stopped attending church after the incident, but some who stayed away are no longer alive today.

Many died in accidents or from illness. So why should I stop going to church? I cannot.

When the church reopened, I was initially afraid. I kept wondering how it would be. For some time, we were always looking around during service. But with time, I became fine again.

Are you satisfied with the court verdict against the terrorists?

It is okay by me. From the beginning, I was not bitter because I knew they were not acting alone. Some people sent them.

Even if they are jailed, it cannot bring back what has been lost. The dead cannot return, and my legs and eye cannot be restored.

However, at least justice has been served, though it came after four years. So, it is fine.

What do you think should be done now?

There are many things to be done. The government must find a way to stop these attacks. They should rescue those still in captivity and strengthen security so citizens can live in peace.

If people cannot sleep with their eyes closed or travel without fear, then something is wrong. The government must act decisively on insecurity.

Do you want anything else done apart from the judgment?

The attackers are just tools in the hands of sponsors. The government should go after those who sponsored the attack.

They should also address insecurity across the country and rescue those who have been abducted. Security must be improved.

Some people want the convicts brought to Owo. What is your view?

I do not support that. Bringing them to Owo will not restore my legs or my eye. Nothing can reverse what has happened.

The government should focus on providing security. Insecurity is becoming alarming. Our minds are not at rest.

How has life been since the incident?

I thank God for my family and well-wishers. My husband, relatives, and Nigerians at home and abroad supported us. Government, NGOs, and international organisations like the World Health Organisation also assisted.

We did not pay for treatment. Everything was covered, and we received support from churches and organisations.

How have you been coping physically?

The government provided prosthetic legs, but they did not work as expected, and I eventually stopped using them. I have been using my wheelchair for the past four years.