In a statement, Ecowas said it was shocked at the incident and expressed sympathy with the government of Nigeria and the families of the victims who were killed at St Francis Catholic church in Owo on Sunday.

It also reaffirmed solidary with the Nigerian government and the resolve to rid the nation and the West African region of terrorist activities.

On Sunday, unidentified gunmen stormed the catholic church and killed 22 worshippers, and wounded 50 others, according to Niegria's National Emergency Management Agency.

It’s still unclear who the attackers are and what their motive is as the authorities continue with their investigations.