9Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, have commended the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence of four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

The attack, which occurred during a Sunday Mass, claimed the lives of at least 41 worshippers and left several others injured.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa described the court’s verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law and the victims of the attack.

“The diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators, and the courage of the judiciary have shown that our government will not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.

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

Aiyedatiwa also commended the people of Owo and the Catholic community for remaining peaceful and resilient despite the trauma caused by the incident.

Reacting to the judgment, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye, described the conviction and death sentence of four of the five accused persons as a significant step towards justice.

“I think we’re happy that finally those accused, four out of five, have been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. I would say, to a large extent, it is justice served.

“I think this would be a great relief to the people of our area particularly, and to Nigerians generally, over what happened at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo,” he said.

The monarch commended the Federal Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the judiciary for ensuring diligent prosecution and adjudication of the case.

He, however, urged authorities to continue investigations to identify and prosecute any other individuals who may have been directly or indirectly involved in the attack.

Oba Ogunoye added that consistent prosecution and conviction of perpetrators of violent crimes would help curb kidnapping and insecurity across the country.