Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary and security agencies for securing the conviction and death sentence of four men found guilty of participating in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, describing the verdict as a major victory for justice and the rule of law.
Key highlight:
Summary of the Highlights
- Four men were sentenced to death for their involvement in the 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church.
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailed the verdict as a victory for justice and the rule of law.
- The governor praised security agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary for securing the convictions.
- He said the judgment offers some closure to victims’ families and reinforces accountability for acts of terrorism.
- Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and preventing similar attacks in the future.
The governor’s reaction followed Wednesday’s judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which sentenced the four suspects to death by hanging for their roles in the deadly attack that claimed the lives of dozens of worshippers and left many others injured during a Sunday service.
In a statement issued on June 3, 2026, by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Gov. Aiyedatiwa said the court’s decision represented a significant step toward justice for the victims, their families and the people of Ondo State.
According to the governor, the verdict demonstrates that acts of terrorism and violence against innocent citizens will not go unpunished.
He praised the efforts of security agencies, investigators and prosecutors whose work led to the successful prosecution of the suspects, noting that their dedication and professionalism helped ensure accountability for one of the state’s darkest tragedies.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that the judgment sends a strong message that individuals who take innocent lives will eventually face the full weight of the law, regardless of how long it takes for justice to be achieved.
Gov. Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the resilience of the people of Owo and members of the Catholic community, who, despite the pain and trauma caused by the attack, have remained committed to peace and unity.
The governor reassured residents that his administration would continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve the protection of public spaces and prevent a recurrence of such attacks in the state.
Read also:
- Edo State Government must accept responsibility for its failure
- Court sentences 4 terrorists to death by hanging over Owo church attack
- Tinubu mourns Hajiya Hadiza Jega, sends condolence to bereaved family
- UNICEF, Ondo deepen collaboration on prevention of Lassa fever
While noting that no court judgment can restore the lives lost in the attack, he said the conviction of the perpetrators provides a measure of closure for grieving families and renews hope in the justice system.
He also offered prayers for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attack and asked for divine comfort and strength for their families and loved ones.
The June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo remains one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history, drawing widespread national and international condemnation.
