Ondo South All Progressives chieftain, Mr. Omoyele Olabod has described the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, hailing court’s pronouncement on the suspects of the Owo Massacre, who invaded a peaceful church programme in Owo.
It will be recalled that the Owo Massacre happened on Sunday, June 5, 2022 as gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State during Pentecost Sunday Mass. Over 40 worshippers were killed and more than 100 injured.
The attack was carried out with rifles and IEDs.
Four of the suspects were sentenced to death by hanging in June 2026 for their role in it.
It’s still remembered as one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on a place of worship.
In a statement by Olabode clarifying his reaction on the sentencing of the suspects, he noted that the Judiciary has by the pronouncement made it clear that not on its watch would it allow such heinous crime against humanity go unpunished.
Olabode said the sentencing of the culprits hopefully will serve as a deterrent to others that Ondo State under the government of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa will not condone criminal invasion of any of the communities the Governor has sworn to protect and ensure their safety.
He further noted that it takes a monstrous reasoning for any group of people to assume attacking a church gathering of innocent worshippers will go unpunished.
He stressed that the criminal invaders have offended God whom the worshippers gathered to worship and fouled the peaceful environment of Owo which has never had such dastardly experience.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the victims of the attack while also praying for the repose of the soul of Late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who took a prompt and proactive steps as soon as the invasion became public knowledge in 2022.