The Ondo State Government has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which sentenced four persons to death for their involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
The government described the verdict as a major step towards justice for the victims of the attack, their families and members of the Owo community who were affected by the tragedy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), commended the court, security agencies and prosecutors for their roles in securing the conviction.
Ajulo said the judgment represented an important milestone in the quest for accountability over the attack, which claimed the lives of several worshippers and left many others injured during a Pentecost Sunday service.
According to him, the ruling demonstrates that acts of terrorism and violent extremism cannot prevail over the rule of law.
He praised the efforts of the prosecution team, the Department of State Services and witnesses who participated in the trial, noting that due process was followed throughout the proceedings.
While acknowledging that the judgment could not erase the pain suffered by the victims' families and survivors, the commissioner said it offered a measure of justice and reaffirmed confidence in the nation's judicial system.
He added that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving security, protecting freedom of worship and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner also stressed the need for continued collaboration among federal and state governments, security agencies, religious institutions and community leaders in the fight against terrorism.
Ajulo said the state government would continue to support measures geared towards strengthening security architecture, providing assistance to victims of violent crimes and ensuring the diligent prosecution of terrorism-related offences.
He expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones in the attack and assured them that the sacrifices of the victims would not be forgotten.
“The memories of those who lost their lives remain with us, and our commitment to protecting lives and upholding justice remains unwavering,” he stated.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced four defendants to death by hanging after finding them guilty of participating in the deadly attack on the Owo church in 2022.
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