The Catholic Diocese of Ondo, South West Nigeria, has lauded the recent judgment that sentenced four terrorists to death for the 2022 Pentecost Sunday attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, that resulted in the tragic loss of 41 lives, stressing that it represents justice for the victims.
Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, including Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.
In a circular dated 4th June, 2026, addressed to the general public titled “Public statement on the Judgment in the Owo Church Massacre Case,” the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, disclosed that the judgment “represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability.”
Most Rev. Dr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese. Credit: Dailypost.ng.
“The judgment affirms an important principle: That human life is sacred…”
Reacting to the 3rd of June, 2026 court judgement, the prelate observed that “While no legal decision can restore the lives that were lost or erase the pain suffered by families and survivors,” he maintained that “the judgment affirms an important principle: that human life is sacred and that those who commit acts of terror against innocent people must be held accountable under the law.”
The circular noted that “The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has received with profound attention the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, which occurred on June 5, 2022.”
St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Southwest Nigeria, attacked on 5 June 2022 Pentecost Sunday. Credit: Cisa News Africa.
“That tragic attack remains one of the darkest moments in the history of our Diocese”
The Bishop of Ondo Diocese decried the Owo killings as a dark moment that affected many innocent people emotionally and psychologically for four years.
“That tragic attack remains one of the darkest moments in the history of our Diocese, the town of Owo, and our nation. On that Pentecost Sunday, innocent worshippers who had gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist were brutally attacked, resulting in the loss of many precious lives and leaving numerous others physically, emotionally, and psychologically wounded.
“For four years, the memories of that painful day have remained with us. We have mourned with bereaved families, accompanied survivors on their journey of healing, and continually entrusted our departed brothers and sisters to the mercy of God,” Bishop Arogundade noted.
He used the occasion to “express appreciation to the judiciary for its diligence in handling this sensitive case,” as well as “the efforts of the security agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators were brought before the law.”
Bishop Arogundade further maintained that “This judgment offers a measure of reassurance to grieving families and to all who have long sought accountability for this heinous crime.”
According to him, “It demonstrates that the voices of the victims have not been forgotten and that their suffering has not been ignored.”
The Chief Shepherd of Ondo detailed that “At the same time, we must remember that justice is not synonymous with revenge. As Christians, we remain guided by the values of truth, justice, mercy, and peace. Our response to this judgment must therefore be one of sober reflection, gratitude for the progress made, and continued commitment to healing and reconciliation.”
“We continue to pray for the souls…We pray for survivors.”
He pledged prayers for the lives of those killed during the attack, adding that the diocese remains committed to supporting the victims.
“We continue to pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and for the comfort of their families. We pray for survivors who continue to live with the consequences of that terrible day. We also pray for our nation, that God may grant us peace and protect our communities from every form of violence, terrorism, and insecurity.
“The Diocese remains committed to supporting affected families and preserving the memory of the victims. Through our memorial initiatives, scholarship programmes, empowerment projects, pastoral care, and continuous prayers, we shall continue to ensure that the sacrifices and memories of our departed brothers and sisters are never forgotten,” the Bishop assured.
Funeral Mass for the victims of Owo attack. Credit: Vatican News.
He used the opportunity to urge the government and security agencies to safeguard lives and places of worship and prayed for the souls of the faithful departed.
“As we approach the fourth remembrance of the Owo Massacre, we renew our appeal to government at all levels, security agencies, community leaders, and all people of goodwill to remain vigilant in safeguarding human life and protecting places of worship.
“May the memory of those who died at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church continue to inspire us to build a society founded on justice, peace, respect for human dignity, and the sanctity of life. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” Bishop Arogundade prayed.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of Vatican News.
