Aiyedatiwa Welcomes Court Verdict as Four Convicted Over Owo Church Massacre Sentenced to Death
Aiyedatiwa Welcomes Court Verdict as Four Convicted Over Owo Church Massacre Sentenced to Death
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentencing four persons to death for their involvement in the deadly 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, describing the ruling as a significant step toward justice for victims and their families.
The governor said the verdict demonstrates that acts of terrorism and violent crimes will not go unpunished, while reaffirming the commitment of government and security agencies to protecting lives and property across the state.
The Federal High Court found four defendants guilty of multiple terrorism-related offences, including terrorism financing, conspiracy, hostage-taking, kidnapping, and the use of explosives that resulted in deaths and injuries during the June 5, 2022 church attack. The court subsequently sentenced the convicts to death by hanging, while a fifth defendant was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The Owo church attack remains one of the deadliest assaults on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history. The attack claimed the lives of dozens of worshippers and left many others injured during a Sunday service, sending shockwaves across the country and the international community.
Reacting to the judgment, Aiyedatiwa noted that the people of Ondo State had waited years for justice and accountability. He expressed hope that the ruling would provide some measure of comfort to grieving families and survivors who have continued to live with the trauma of the tragedy.
The governor also commended the judiciary, security agencies, and prosecutors involved in the investigation and prosecution of the suspects. He stressed that the successful conclusion of the case reinforces public confidence in the nation’s justice system and its ability to address terrorism-related crimes.
Security experts have described the verdict as a landmark decision in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly as authorities intensify efforts to prosecute individuals linked to violent extremist activities across the country.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security collaboration with federal agencies and community stakeholders to ensure that Ondo State remains safe and secure for residents, investors, and visitors.
