It has been three years since the tragic attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where armed terrorists unleashed horror on innocent worshippers during a Sunday mass. Today, the scars of that dark day still remain fresh in the hearts of many families.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Akure, during the celebration of Bishop Jude Arogundade’s 15th Episcopal Anniversary and 35th Priestly Ordination, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reassured citizens that his administration will not relent until justice is fully served.
The governor emphasized that security remains a top priority for the state. He acknowledged the pain of the survivors, many of whom still live with both physical and emotional wounds from the June 5, 2022, attack that claimed over 40 lives.
According to Aiyedatiwa, security agencies—working closely with the federal government—have made notable progress. Several suspects connected to the attack, including Al-Quasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Idris Omeiza, Momoh Abubakar, and Abdulhaleem Idris, are already facing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The governor encouraged citizens to remain united in the fight against terror and all forms of criminality, saying:
“As we continue to seek justice for the victims, let us stand together against terror’s might. In unity and love, we will find the strength to heal wounds, mend broken hearts, and ensure a safer Sunshine State.”
In strengthening security, Aiyedatiwa highlighted that the Ondo State Government has recently procured 75 Hilux patrol vehicles, fully equipped with modern security gadgets, to bolster surveillance and rapid response across communities.
Three years on, the memory of Owo serves as a painful reminder, but also a call for resilience, unity, and an unshaken demand for justice.
