Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has praised the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction of four men linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
The attack, which occurred during a Sunday service, left at least 41 worshippers dead and many others injured, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the state’s history.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor described the court’s decision as a major step toward justice for the victims and their families.
He said the verdict was a “victory for justice, the rule of law, and for all victims of the heinous attack that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured.”
Aiyedatiwa added: “The diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators, and the courage of the judiciary have shown that our government will not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.
“This judgment sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes.”
The governor also acknowledged the resilience of the Owo community and members of the Catholic Church, commending them for remaining peaceful despite the tragedy.
Reacting to the judgment, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said the ruling would bring comfort to residents who have long awaited justice. He, however, called for continued investigations to ensure that anyone else connected to the attack is brought before the law.
“I think we’re happy that finally those accused, four out of five have been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. I would say to a large extent, it is justice served. I think this would be a great relief to the people of our area particularly, and to Nigerians generally, over what happened at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
“I must thank the Federal Government, particularly the DSS, for their efforts towards diligent prosecution of the accused, now the convicted, and the judiciary for living up to expectations of our people. If cases like this had been properly handled in the past, and accused persons were consistently convicted in respect of kidnapping and related offences, Nigeria would, to a large extent, have significantly reduced the wave of kidnapping and insecurity across the country.”
