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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has praised the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence of four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
He described the ruling as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for victims of the attack, which killed worshippers and left many others injured.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the governor said the judgment demonstrated that perpetrators of violence would be held accountable regardless of how long it takes.
Aiyedatiwa commended the prosecution team, investigators, and the judiciary for their diligence and courage in handling the case, stressing that the verdict sent a strong warning against terrorism and violent crime. He also expressed appreciation to the people of Owo and the Catholic community for their resilience in the aftermath of the attack, noting their continued commitment to peace despite the trauma experienced.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue working with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve protection of public spaces, and prevent a repeat of such incidents in the state. He added that the judgment offered a measure of closure and renewed hope for justice, while praying for the souls of the deceased and comfort for their families.
The High Court in Abuja had on Wednesday sentenced four suspects to death by hanging for their involvement in the attack on the church.
The convicts—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris- were found guilty on nine terrorism-related charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, while acquitting a fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar.
