Significant milestone – Ondo Catholic Diocese speaks after court verdict on Owo church massacre

The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja on the perpetrators of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, describing it as a significant step toward justice and accountability.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, said the ruling marked an important milestone in the quest for justice for victims of one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history.

“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 said.

Arogundade commended the judiciary for its diligence in handling the case and also praised security agencies, investigators and prosecutors for their efforts in ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.

He said the judgment provides some measure of comfort to grieving families and demonstrates that the suffering of the victims has not been forgotten.

The bishop, however, stressed that justice should not be confused with revenge, urging Christians to remain guided by the values of truth, mercy, peace and reconciliation.

He assured affected families of the Diocese’s continued support through memorial initiatives, scholarship programmes, empowerment projects, pastoral care and prayers.

As the fourth anniversary of the attack approaches, Arogundade renewed calls on government, security agencies, community leaders and citizens to remain vigilant in protecting lives and places of worship across the country.