Two other terrorists suspected of being members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested in connection with the attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state months ago.
Recall that Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the military confirmed on Tuesday that about five terrorists linked to the attack had been arrested in the state.
Barely two days after the report, the military hierarchy announced on Thursday that two more terrorists who killed over 40 worshipers at the church on June 5 had been arrested.
Defense Information Director Maj. Gen. Jimmy Akpor announced the disclosure in a statement Thursday.
General Akpor revealed details of the suspects and said they were: Al-Qasim Idris and Abdulhaleem Idris.
He said the suspected terrorists were arrested on Tuesday in Omialafara (Omulafa), Ose Municipal Government Area, Ondo State, through the joint efforts of the military and the Ministry of External Affairs, DSS.
The statement reads in part: “Barely a few hours after the CDS revealed the arrest of 4 of the attackers of the Owo Catholic Church, 2 other ISWAP terrorists, also linked to the attack on the church, were arrested in Omialafara (Omulafa) arrested. Ose LGA, Ondo State yesterday 9 August 2022.
“The arrests were made through the joint effort of the military and DSS personnel.
The suspects are Al-Qasim Idris and Abdulhaleem Idris.
“It is instructive to note that Abdulhaleem, along with other high-profile ISWAP commanders, had also previously coordinated attacks on military targets in Okene, Okene LGA, Kogi State, resulting in casualties.”
