Suspects linked to the killing of at least 40 people in a church in south-west Nigeria have been detained by a regional security force, the authorities there say.
Gunmen stormed the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state, during a service earlier this month and opened fire.
The suspects are being held by a force set up by the south-west state governors, known as Amotekun. It is a separate organisation from the police.
Amotekun commander Adetunji Adeleye told the BBC that the suspects were at different stages of interrogation.
He did not give any details about those being held but said a vehicle and some weapons were recovered.
Amotekun will need to hand the suspects over to the police if they are going to be prosecuted as it does not have the power to take people to court.
As well as the at least 40 people who died on 5 June, more than 100 others were injured during the attack.
The Nigerian government blamed the killings on the militant group, Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP). But the jihadists have not said that they carried out the attack.
Latest Stories
-
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
17 mins -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
18 mins -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
1 hour -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
1 hour -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
1 hour -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
1 hour -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
1 hour -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
1 hour -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
‘Let’s work together to improve sanitation, promote health outcome’ – Sector Minister urges
1 hour -
Ellembelle MP cuts sod for six-unit classroom block at Nkroful Agric SHS
1 hour -
‘I’ll beat the hell out of you if you misbehave on December 7’ – Achiase Commanding Officer
1 hour -
AFPNC leads the charge on World Prematurity Day 2024
1 hour -
Court remands unemployed man over theft of ECG property
2 hours -
Election security rests solely with the police – Central Regional Police Command
2 hours