Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has praised the judiciary and security agencies for the sentencing of four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group over the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

This is contained in a statement made available by the Chief Press Secretary to Mr Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday in Akure.

The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, sentenced to death four out of the five terrorists who attacked the church in which 43 worshipers were killed.

The four sentenced to die by hanging are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25, while Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted of all the charges.

The governor described the court verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for all victims of the heinous attack that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured.

Mr Aiyedatiwa noted that the diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators, and the courage of the judiciary showed that the government would not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.

“This judgement sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,” he said.

He also appreciated the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community who, despite the trauma, remained steadfast and committed to peace.

The governor reassured residents that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect public spaces, and ensure such a tragedy did not repeat itself in the state.

“While nothing can bring back the lives lost, this judgement provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible,” he added.

Mr Aiyedatiwa later prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and God’s comfort for the families they left behind. 

(NAN)