A Nigerian court has sentenced four men to death for their role in a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022. The assault, which killed at least 40 worshippers, was one of the worst acts of religious violence in the country in recent years. The convicted individuals were found guilty of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder.
The judge described the attack as a calculated assault on the freedom of worship. The United Kingdom has condemned the violence, with a Foreign Office spokesperson stating that the attack was a stark reminder of the challenges facing religious communities in Nigeria. The UK called for continued efforts to protect religious minorities and hold perpetrators accountable.
The sentencing is seen as a rare instance of judicial action against extremist violence in a region where such attacks often go unpunished. The defendants have the right to appeal.
