The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the conviction and death sentences handed down to four men found guilty of carrying out the massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced the four men to death by hanging after finding them guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges connected to the June 5, 2022 attack that left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured.
Reacting to the verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the judgment as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
“This judgment sends a clear and unmistakable message that those who engage in terrorism and take innocent lives will be held accountable,” the governor said in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
He added that while no court ruling could erase the pain suffered by the victims’ families, the decision represented an important step toward justice and national healing.
“The people of Owo have carried the scars of this tragedy for years. Today’s verdict shows that justice, though sometimes delayed, can still prevail,” he said.
The court found Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris guilty of offences including terrorism, conspiracy, kidnapping, hostage-taking and the murder of worshippers during the attack.
Trial judge Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that prosecutors had established their case beyond reasonable doubt after months of proceedings and evidence presented by the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, a fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was acquitted and discharged after the court determined there was insufficient evidence linking him to the attack.
The assault on St. Francis Catholic Church during a Sunday service shocked Nigeria and drew international condemnation. The attack claimed the lives of men, women and children who had gathered for worship, leaving an entire community devastated.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised security agencies, investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary for what he described as their dedication throughout the lengthy legal process.
“The commitment shown by our security personnel, investigators and legal teams has strengthened public confidence in our justice system. Their efforts have ensured that those responsible for this horrific crime have been brought before the law,” he said.
The governor also paid tribute to survivors, families of the victims and members of the Catholic community in Owo, commending their resilience in the face of immense loss and grief.
Despite the trauma caused by the attack, he said the community had remained united and committed to peace.
He further pledged that his administration would continue working closely with security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen public safety and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Security remains a major concern across parts of Nigeria, where authorities continue to battle insurgent and terrorist groups responsible for attacks on civilians and communities.
For many residents of Owo, Wednesday’s judgment represents not only a legal victory but also a symbolic moment in a long journey toward closure.