Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, and the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, have welcomed the conviction and death sentence handed down to four persons found guilty of participating in the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, describing the judgment as justice for victims of the massacre.
Their reactions followed Wednesday’s judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which convicted four of the five suspects arraigned over the deadly attack that claimed the lives of 41 worshippers and left scores injured.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law and all victims of the heinous attack.
The governor commended the judiciary, security agencies and the prosecution team for securing the conviction after years of painstaking investigation and trial.
He said the diligence of investigators, the commitment of prosecutors and the courage of the judiciary demonstrated that government would not tolerate acts of terror against innocent citizens.
“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 paid tribute to the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community, who, despite the trauma of the attack, remained steadfast and committed to peace. He assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security and intelligence gathering to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
While noting that no judgment could bring back those who lost their lives, the governor said the verdict offered a measure of closure to bereaved families and renewed hope in the justice system.
Also reacting, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye, said the conviction and death sentence of four of the suspects came as a huge relief to the people of the ancient town and Nigerians who were outraged by the attack.
“We’re happy that finally those accused, four out of five, have been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. To a large extent, it is justice served,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler praised the Federal Government, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), and the judiciary for ensuring diligent prosecution of the suspects, adding that the outcome should serve as a warning to criminal elements across the country.
Oba Ogunoye, however, urged security agencies to continue investigations into the attack, insisting that more persons could have been involved in planning and executing the massacre.
“I believe it may be beyond the four people sentenced today. Government should still go further and apprehend those who are conspirators in this particular case. Those who are accomplices should also be pursued so that justice will finally be served,” he said.
The monarch disclosed that the atmosphere in Owo remained calm following the judgment, describing the verdict as “good news in respect of a bad incident.”
Also reacting, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, described the judgment as well delivered.
According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges would be significantly reduced if perpetrators of kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes were consistently prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.
The Federal High Court had earlier convicted Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris on all nine counts filed against them by the Federal Government over the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church. A fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged for lack of evidence linking him to the crime.
Fidelis David
