Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has welcomed the death sentence handed down to four individuals convicted for their roles in the devastating attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, describing the judgment as a major victory for justice and accountability.
The governor’s reaction followed Wednesday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which found four defendants guilty of participating in the deadly terrorist attack that shocked Nigeria and claimed the lives of dozens of worshippers in June 2022.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa praised the judiciary, security agencies and prosecutors for their efforts in ensuring that justice was served after years of investigations and court proceedings.
According to the governor, the judgment sends a strong warning to terrorists and violent criminals that their actions will not go unpunished.
He said the verdict reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for acts of terror are held accountable regardless of how long it takes to secure justice.
Aiyedatiwa also commended investigators and prosecutors for their dedication throughout the case, noting that their efforts have helped restore public confidence in the justice system.
The governor paid tribute to the people of Owo and the Catholic community, who have continued to show resilience despite the pain and trauma caused by the attack.
He acknowledged the suffering endured by victims’ families and survivors, adding that the judgment offers some measure of closure to those affected by the tragedy.
The governor further assured residents that his administration remains committed to strengthening security across Ondo State through improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with security agencies.
The Federal High Court had sentenced Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris to death by hanging after finding them guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges.
The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to convictions on charges including terrorism, conspiracy, kidnapping, hostage-taking and the killing of innocent worshippers.
However, a fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence linking him to the crimes.
The June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church remains one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history, leaving the nation in mourning and sparking widespread condemnation.
With the latest court ruling, many Nigerians believe a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for the victims has finally been written.
