Three years after one of Nigeria’s most horrifying acts of terrorism, justice has finally caught up with those responsible — and the reactions from top officials say it all.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has publicly praised the Nigerian judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentencing of four individuals found guilty in connection with the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on St.
Francis Catholic Church in Owo. The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, equally expressed satisfaction with the ruling, declaring that justice had been duly served.
The attack, which took place during a Sunday morning Mass, left no fewer than 41 worshippers dead and many others with life-altering injuries — shocking the entire nation and drawing international condemnation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa: “A Victory for Justice and the Rule of Law”
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the court’s verdict as a landmark moment, calling it a triumph not only for the families of victims but for every law-abiding Nigerian citizen.
According to the governor, the judgment reflects the combined commitment of prosecutors, investigators, and a courageous judiciary — all working toward one goal: accountability.
“Those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,” the governor emphasized, adding that his administration has zero tolerance for terrorism and violence against the people of Ondo State.
He also acknowledged the resilience of the Owo community and the Catholic faithful, commending them for maintaining peace and dignity throughout the long and emotionally draining legal process.
Oba Ogunoye: “Great Relief for Our People — But the Work Isn’t Over”
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, while welcoming the verdict, used the moment to call for deeper investigation into the massacre, urging the government and security agencies to cast a wider net and pursue anyone — directly or indirectly — who may have played a role in the bloodshed.
“Four out of five accused persons have now been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. To a large extent, justice has been served,” the monarch stated.
He specifically commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for their role in building a strong prosecution case, while also crediting the judiciary for meeting the expectations of the people.
The royal father, however, used the verdict to highlight a broader national concern — noting that consistent prosecution of violent crimes, including kidnapping-related offences, could significantly turn the tide against insecurity across Nigeria.
“If cases like this had been properly handled in the past, Nigeria would, to a large extent, have seen a significant reduction in the wave of kidnapping and insecurity we face today,” Oba Ogunoye noted.
What This Verdict Means for Nigeria
The Owo church attack remains one of the darkest chapters in recent Nigerian history. The conviction signals that the justice system can — and will — respond to acts of mass violence, even in complex terrorism cases.
For the families of the 41 victims, Wednesday’s ruling offers a measure of closure. For Nigeria, it sends a firm message: terrorism will not go unpunished.
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