Confirming the shooting, spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said: “Today about 6:30am, during early morning Mass at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Onilekere/Cement B/Stop, Ikeja, some unknown hoodlums posing as worshippers, who also took part in the morning Mass after the prayers about 8:30am, requested to have a dialogue with Rev. Father Daniel Nwankwo, who heads the parish.

“The Rev. Father, who unsuspectingly granted the hoodlums audience outside the church auditorium, for a yet to be determined reason, was shot by one of the hoodlums with a locally made pistol.

“After the incident, the Rev Father raised alarm, while the hoodlums jumped the fence and escaped towards an adjoining canal. “The Rev. Father was immediately taken to LASUTH for medical attention, where he is currently being treated. He is under stable condition.”

According to him: “The Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, was at the scene and spoke with a witness, who confirmed that three assailants, who were not known to be members of the church, were seen having a conversation with the Rev. Father before he was shot.

“The CP has also visited the Rev. Father Daniel Nwankwo and spoke with him and confirmed that the Rev. Father is being given adequate medical care. He is recuperating fast.

“The CP also immediately ordered a crack team of detectives and operational officers from the command dispatched to the scene and area leading to the canal, where an eyewitness confirmed the hoodlums ran towards.

“Five suspects were arrested in connection with this act and they are currently being diligently interrogated for vital information to aid the Police investigation.

“The commissioner is advising Lagosians to be vigilant and security conscious at this time. Lagosians should identify and report any strange faces and suspicious movement.

“He has also ordered the deployment of static Police guard and instructed the Area Commanders and DPOs to provide static Police guard on 24-hrs bases in all churches and mosques across the state, instead of only on Fridays and Sundays.”