A Nigerian court has sentenced four men to death for their roles in the 2022 massacre at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The attack, which killed 40 worshippers and injured many others, was one of the deadliest on a place of worship in the country’s history. The Commonwealth Secretariat released a statement expressing support for the judicial process, noting that the verdict ‘demonstrates a commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
’ The four convicted men were found guilty of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder. Two others were acquitted. The trial, which concluded after 18 months, was closely monitored by international observers concerned about religious violence in Nigeria.
The Owo massacre was initially claimed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), though local authorities attributed it to armed bandits with suspected ties to the group. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of security in the region, where attacks on Christian communities have increased in recent years. The Commonwealth’s endorsement of the verdict signals a broader international recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to prosecute perpetrators of religiously motivated violence.
However, human rights groups have raised concerns about the use of the death penalty in Nigeria, where executions are carried out by hanging. The sentences are subject to appeal.
