…Says justice has prevailed
By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary and security agencies for securing the conviction and death sentence of four terrorists found guilty of masterminding the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
The governor described the verdict delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja as a triumph of justice, the rule of law and a significant step toward healing the wounds left by one of the deadliest attacks in Ondo State’s history.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said the judgment offers hope to the families of victims and survivors of the attack that claimed dozens of lives and left many worshippers injured.
The governor praised the efforts of investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers whose commitment, he said, ensured that justice was served.
According to him, the successful prosecution demonstrates the determination of government institutions to hold perpetrators of terrorism accountable, regardless of how long it takes.
“The diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators and the courage of the judiciary have shown that 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,” the governor stated.
Aiyedatiwa also commended the people of Owo and the Catholic community for their resilience in the aftermath of the tragedy, noting that despite the pain and trauma, they remained committed to peace and unity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through enhanced intelligence gathering, closer collaboration with security agencies and improved protection of public spaces.
The governor assured residents that every effort would continue to be made to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in any part of the state.
“While nothing can bring back the lives lost, this judgment provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and asked God to grant comfort and strength to their families.
On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four defendants to death by hanging after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences connected to the Owo church massacre.
The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the defendants on multiple counts linked to the attack, which left at least 41 worshippers dead and more than 100 others injured.
