An explosion on Sunday rocked St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to reports, the incident caused chaos in the vicinity, with residents fleeing for safety after being caught off guard.

Eyewitnesses claimed suspected terrorists blew up the church which is situated close to the palace of the Olowo of Owo.

Emerging reports suggest that many worshippers have died and several others left injured following the explosion at the church.

The authorities were yet to issue any statement on the development as at the time of filing this report.

Owo is the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.