By John Dike, Osogbo
The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja on the perpetrators of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, describing the verdict as a significant step towards justice, accountability and national healing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Rt. Revd Jude Arogundade, said the judgment delivered on June 3, 2026, offers reassurance to grieving families and survivors who have spent four years seeking justice for one of Nigeria’s most horrific attacks on a place of worship.
The cleric noted that although no court ruling can reverse the devastating losses suffered by victims and their families, the verdict reinforces the principle that human life is sacred and that those responsible for acts of terror must be held accountable under the law.
“The judgment 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, it affirms an important principle that those who commit acts of terror against innocent people must answer for their crimes,” the bishop stated.
The attack on remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of Ondo State and Nigeria. On Pentecost Sunday in 2022, gunmen invaded the church during worship, opening fire on congregants and detonating explosives, leaving dozens dead and many others injured.
The massacre shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation from religious leaders, civil society organisations and the international community.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Bishop Arogundade said the memories of that painful day remain deeply etched in the hearts of the people of Owo and members of the Catholic community.
According to him, the Diocese has spent the past four years mourning with bereaved families, supporting survivors and keeping alive the memory of those who lost their lives in the attack.
“That tragic attack remains one of the darkest moments in the history of our Diocese, the town of Owo and our nation. Innocent worshippers who 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,” he said.
The bishop commended the judiciary for its diligence in handling the case and acknowledged the efforts of security agencies, investigators and prosecutors whose work contributed to securing the judgment.
He said the outcome demonstrates that the voices of victims have not been forgotten and that their suffering has not been ignored.
While expressing satisfaction with the progress made in the pursuit of justice, the cleric urged Nigerians to avoid interpreting the verdict as an opportunity for revenge.
He stressed that the Christian faith remains rooted in the principles of truth, justice, mercy and peace, noting that healing and reconciliation must remain central to the response of the Church and the wider society.
“Justice is not synonymous with revenge. As Christians, we remain guided by the values of truth, justice, mercy and peace. Our response must therefore be one of sober reflection, gratitude for the progress made and continued commitment to healing and reconciliation,” he said.
Bishop Arogundade also offered prayers for the souls of those killed during the attack, while seeking divine comfort for bereaved families and strength for survivors who continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of the incident.
He further prayed for Nigeria’s peace and security amid growing concerns over terrorism, banditry and violent crimes across different parts of the country.
The Diocese, he said, remains committed to supporting victims’ families through various initiatives, including memorial projects, scholarship programmes, empowerment schemes, pastoral care and continuous prayers.
According to him, these efforts are aimed at ensuring that the sacrifices and memories of those who died in the attack are preserved for future generations.
As the fourth anniversary of the Owo church massacre approaches, the bishop renewed calls on governments at all levels, security agencies, community leaders and citizens to remain vigilant in protecting lives and places of worship.
He emphasized that safeguarding human life must remain a collective responsibility and urged authorities to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
“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,” he said.
The Owo church attack remains one of the most devastating assaults on a religious gathering in Nigeria’s recent history. Four years later, while the wounds of that tragic day have not completely healed, many families and residents view the court’s judgment as a crucial step toward accountability and a reminder that justice, though sometimes delayed, can still prevail.
