Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence handed to four men found guilty of involvement in the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
The governor described the judgment as a triumph of justice and the rule of law, saying it offers a measure of closure to the victims, their families, and the wider Owo community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa praised the efforts of investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary in securing the convictions.
He said the verdict demonstrated the government’s determination to ensure accountability for acts of terrorism and violence.
“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 said.
Aiyedatiwa also commended the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community, noting that they had remained steadfast and peaceful despite the trauma caused by the attack.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve public safety and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
According to the governor, the judgment reinforces public confidence in the justice system and offers hope that perpetrators of heinous crimes can be held accountable.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and for comfort for the bereaved families.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four defendants to death by hanging over their roles in the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, which claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left many others injured.
The convicts — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25 — were among five defendants standing trial on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted.
Delivering judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite found the four defendants guilty on all nine counts, including membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, kidnapping, hostage-taking and the killing of worshippers during the attack.
The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the four convicts but failed to establish the charges against the fifth defendant.
