Four years after the devastating attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, one of the survivors has shared a deeply emotional account of how the tragedy permanently changed her life.
Margaret Attah, a nurse and survivor of the June 5, 2022 attack, said that while the recent court judgment against some of the convicted attackers represents a measure of justice, it cannot restore the parts of her life taken away during the assault.
‘Everything Changed Within Seconds’
Attah recalled attending the Pentecost Sunday service with her husband, children, and mother-in-law when gunfire suddenly erupted outside the church.
According to her, panic spread through the congregation as worshippers desperately searched for safety while armed attackers forced their way into the building.
She said she sought cover near the altar before an explosion rocked the church, leaving her unconscious amid the chaos.
When she regained consciousness, she discovered she had suffered life-changing injuries.
Survivor Lost Both Legs and One Eye
Following emergency treatment, Attah underwent extensive medical care.
However, doctors were unable to save both of her legs and one of her eyes because of the severity of the injuries sustained during the attack.
Today, she relies on a wheelchair and continues adapting to life years after the tragedy.
Despite the physical challenges, she expressed gratitude that her husband, children, and mother-in-law survived the incident.
‘I Still Go to Church’
Although the attack left lasting emotional scars, Attah said she never stopped attending church services.
She explained that fear should not dictate how people live their lives, adding that many who avoided public gatherings after the attack later faced different tragedies.
According to her, faith has remained a source of strength throughout her recovery journey.
Court Judgment Brings Closure, Not Restoration
Reacting to the conviction of some of those involved in the attack, Attah said she accepted the court’s decision.
However, she stressed that no judgment could bring back the lives lost or reverse the permanent injuries suffered by survivors.“Justice has been served, but my legs and eye cannot be restored,” she said.
Calls for Stronger Security Measures
The survivor urged authorities to intensify efforts against insecurity and pursue those who may have sponsored violent attacks.
She also called for the rescue of kidnapped victims across Nigeria and improved security measures to protect citizens.
According to her, many Nigerians continue to live in fear due to persistent security challenges.
Life After the Attack
Attah acknowledged the support she received from family members, government agencies, healthcare institutions, churches, and humanitarian organisations.
She said treatment costs were covered through various interventions, allowing her to focus on recovery.
Nevertheless, she noted that mobility remains a daily challenge as prosthetic limbs provided after the attack did not function as expected, leading her to rely mainly on a wheelchair.