Aiyedatiwa Lauds Judiciary as Court Hands Down Death Penalty on Owo Church Attackers

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has commended the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence handed to four terrorists responsible for the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor described the court’s decision as a major victory for justice, the rule of law, and the victims of one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on a place of worship.

More than 40 worshippers were killed and many others injured when gunmen attacked the church during a Sunday Mass service in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four of the five defendants to death by hanging after finding them guilty on all nine counts of terrorism-related charges brought against them.

A fifth defendant was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence linking him to the attack.

Reacting to the judgment, Aiyedatiwa praised the prosecution team for diligently pursuing the case and also commended the courage and commitment of the judiciary throughout the trial process.

According to the governor, the verdict demonstrates that acts of terrorism, violence, and attacks on innocent citizens will not go unpunished.

He stated that the judgment offers some measure of justice and closure to the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragic incident, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Aiyedatiwa further noted that the conviction sends a strong message to criminal elements that security agencies and the justice system remain determined to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The governor reiterated the Ondo State Government’s support for efforts aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of residents across the state and the country at large.