Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence handed down to four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
Aiyedatiwa described the judgment as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for the victims of the deadly attack, which claimed the lives of worshippers and left several others injured.
He praised the efforts of the prosecution team, investigators, and the judiciary, noting that their diligence ensured that justice was served.
“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 was quoted as saying in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday.
The governor also applauded the resilience of the people of Owo and members of the Catholic community, who he said had remained steadfast despite the trauma caused by the attack.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect public spaces, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the state.
Aiyedatiwa further said the ruling offers a sense of closure and renewed hope that justice is achievable in the country.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attack and asked for divine comfort for their families.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier on Wednesday sentenced four defendants to death by hanging for their roles in the attack.
The convicts were among five accused persons standing trial on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the massacre at the church.
They are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25).
The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), was discharged and acquitted.
Justice Emeka Nwite held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the four convicts on all nine counts, including membership of a proscribed terrorist group and involvement in kidnapping, hostage-taking, and killing of over 40 worshippers.
The court, however, ruled that the prosecution failed to establish its case against the fifth defendant.