Olamilekan Abayomi
An Ondo State High Court has sentenced four men to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, that killed dozens of worshippers. The court found them guilty on multiple counts of terrorism, murder, and unlawful possession of explosives after a trial that lasted over two years. The judge described the attack as one of the most brutal assaults on civilians in Nigeria’s recent history and said the death penalty was the only punishment commensurate with the scale of loss. The four convicts were arrested months after the attack following a manhunt by security agencies. They had earlier pleaded not guilty, but the prosecution presented ballistic evidence, witness testimony, and confessions that the court accepted as proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The Owo church massacre occurred during Sunday Mass when gunmen stormed the premises, opened fire on congregants, and detonated explosives inside the building. Over 40 people were killed, including children and the elderly, while scores more suffered gunshot wounds, burns, and shrapnel injuries. The attack sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the Catholic world, with Pope Francis and international leaders condemning it as an act of terror. Survivors described scenes of panic as people ran for exits that were blocked by the attackers. Blood and debris covered the altar and pews, and the church required months of repairs before services could resume. For the community of Owo, the violence shattered a sense of safety that had defined the town for decades.
Prosecutors argued that the four men were part of a cell that planned and executed the attack as part of a broader campaign of violence in the Southwest. The state government told the court that the defendants received training, weapons, and funding to carry out coordinated strikes on soft civilian targets. Investigators traced the explosives to illegal arms networks operating across state borders, and forensic analysis linked spent cartridges found at the scene to weapons recovered from the suspects. Several witnesses, including survivors and local traders, identified the men in court and recounted seeing them near the church compound before the service began. The defense challenged the credibility of some witnesses, but the judge ruled the evidence was consistent and corroborated by technical exhibits.
The victims’ families filled the courtroom during sentencing, with many breaking down in tears as the judge read the verdict. For them, the trial was not just about justice but also about closure after years of grief and trauma. Some relatives told the court they still have nightmares and struggle to attend church services without fear. Community leaders said the attack robbed Owo of promising students, parents, and elders whose contributions could never be replaced. Religious leaders who testified emphasized that the church had never been involved in politics or conflict, making the assault even more painful. The court acknowledged their statements in sentencing, noting that terrorism deliberately targets innocent people to spread fear.
The case also raised questions about security and intelligence failures that allowed the attackers to move freely in the days before the massacre. Security agencies said the men had traveled through several checkpoints undetected, using motorcycles and rented vehicles. After the attack, the federal government deployed additional security personnel to Ondo State and increased surveillance on churches, markets, and public gatherings. The sentencing has been welcomed by many residents as a deterrent, though some rights groups continue to debate the use of capital punishment in Nigeria’s justice system. The convicts have 90 days to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal, and their lawyers said they will challenge both the convictions and the death sentence.
The Owo attack was one of the first major terror incidents linked to extremist ideology in Ondo State, which had previously been considered relatively peaceful compared to the Northeast. Security analysts said the assault marked a shift in tactics, with attackers targeting places of worship to maximize civilian casualties and media attention. Since then, churches and mosques across the region have increased security, with metal detectors, armed guards, and restricted entry during services. The Catholic Diocese of Ondo rebuilt St. Francis Church and turned part of the premises into a memorial for those killed. Annual remembrance Masses are now held on June 5, with survivors sharing testimonies and calling for lasting peace.
Government officials at both state and federal levels attended the court proceedings and issued statements after the verdict. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the judgment showed that “justice may be slow, but it will not be denied,” and pledged continued support for victims’ families. The federal government reiterated its commitment to prosecuting all actors involved in terrorism, whether planners, financiers, or foot soldiers. International partners, including the UN and human rights organizations, monitored the trial and called for transparent legal processes. Many noted that holding the perpetrators accountable is critical to restoring public confidence in the rule of law.
For Nigeria, the Owo church sentencing is a reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the importance of preventing future attacks. While the death sentences provide legal closure, healing for survivors and the community will take much longer. Psychosocial support programs have been set up for victims’ families, and the diocese continues to offer counseling and scholarships to children who lost parents. The case will likely be cited in future terrorism prosecutions as an example of how courts can handle complex cases involving mass casualties. As Owo moves forward, residents say they want the memory of those killed to push authorities and citizens to remain vigilant and united against violence.
