By Paschal Norbert
ABUJA, JUNE 5, 2026 (CISA)– Four persons convicted for their role in the deadly terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have been sentenced to death by the Federal High Court in Abuja, bringing a significant legal conclusion to one of Nigeria’s most devastating attacks on a place of worship.
The judgment, delivered on June 3, 2026, marks a major milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the June 5, 2022, massacre, when gunmen attacked worshippers during Pentecost Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo. The attack left dozens dead and many others injured, shocking Nigeria and drawing international condemnation.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Rt. Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, issued a public statement on June 4 welcoming the judgment while emphasizing the Church’s commitment to justice, healing, reconciliation, and the sanctity of human life.
He recalled the immense suffering inflicted on the Church and the wider community by the attack, describing it as one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Diocese and the nation.
“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,” the Bishop stated.
Reflecting on the four-year journey since the attack, Bishop Arogundade noted that the Diocese has continued to mourn with bereaved families while accompanying survivors in their recovery and healing.
“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,” noted the Bishop of Ondo.
The bishop described the court’s ruling as a significant achievement in the search for justice and accountability, stressing that while no verdict can restore the lives that were lost, the judgment sends a powerful message about the value of human life and the rule of law.
“The judgment delivered by the court on 3rd of June, 2026 represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability. While no legal decision can restore the lives that were lost or erase the pain suffered by families and survivors, 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 bishop stated.
Bishop Arogundade also expressed gratitude to the judiciary and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice : “On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, I express appreciation to the judiciary for its diligence in handling this sensitive case. We also acknowledge the efforts of the security agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators were brought before the law.”
The prelate noted that the verdict offers comfort to families who have long awaited justice.
He said, “This judgment offers a measure of reassurance to grieving families and to all who have long sought accountability for this heinous crime. It demonstrates that the voices of the victims have not been forgotten and that their suffering has not been ignored.”
Bishop Arogundade also urged Christians and the broader public not to view the judgment through the lens of vengeance, but rather as an opportunity to deepen commitments to truth, justice, mercy, and peace.
“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,” he added.
The bishop further called for prayers for the deceased, survivors, and the nation, noting the lasting scars left by terrorism and insecurity.He reiterated the Diocese’s commitment to supporting victims’ families and preserving the memory of those who died through memorial projects, scholarships, empowerment initiatives, pastoral care, and continued prayer.
“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,” he said.
As the fourth anniversary of the Owo massacre approaches, Bishop Arogundade renewed his appeal to government authorities, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to remain vigilant in protecting lives and places of worship.
The June 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo ranks among the deadliest assaults on a Christian place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history. The massacre drew widespread condemnation from religious leaders, civil society organizations, governments, and the international community. The sentencing of the four convicted attackers is therefore being viewed by many victims’ families and observers as a landmark step toward accountability, even as the painful memories of that Pentecost Sunday continue to resonate across Nigeria and beyond.
