Justice Looms: Five Identified Owo Church Attackers Await Trial
The long road to accountability entered a critical phase this week as the Owo church attack trial took a decisive turn at the High Court in Akure, where survivors and eyewitnesses courageously identified five suspects accused of carrying out the deadly assault on St Francis Catholic Church. Nearly four years after the horrific June 5 2022 attack that killed more than 40 worshippers and injured dozens others, victims finally came face to face with the men alleged to have turned a place of worship into a scene of mass violence. The courtroom was heavy with emotion as prosecutors presented eyewitness testimony that brought back the painful memories of that tragic Sunday morning.
One of the key prosecution witnesses, a survivor of both the explosions and gunfire, gave a gripping account of how the attack unfolded during the church service. Under oath, the witness confidently pointed out two of the accused persons, identifying them as among the attackers who entered the church armed with advanced weapons. According to the testimony, the assailants first deployed improvised explosive devices to trigger fear and confusion before shooting indiscriminately at worshippers seeking refuge near the altar and exit points. This identification marked a major breakthrough for prosecutors as it directly placed the suspects at the center of the crime.
Further testimony revealed that the operation was carefully coordinated and executed with disturbing precision, lasting close to thirty minutes without immediate security intervention. Beyond identifying the accused, witnesses described the attackers movements within the church compound, painting a chilling picture of the ordeal. One survivor recounted hiding beneath a wooden pew while witnessing the shooting of fellow parishioners, an experience that continues to haunt the community. Despite intense questioning by defense lawyers who attempted to cast doubt on visibility and recall during the chaos, the witnesses remained firm and consistent in their statements.
As proceedings continue, residents of Owo and Nigerians across the country are following the case with deep interest, hopeful that justice will finally be served. The presiding judge has stressed the importance of ensuring a fair trial while recognizing the urgency of delivering closure to families who have lived with unanswered questions for years. The public identification of suspects in open court represents a significant emotional milestone for survivors, offering a sense that accountability is no longer distant.
With more witnesses scheduled to testify, the Owo church attack trial is steadily advancing toward a judgment that could redefine how high profile terrorism cases are prosecuted in Nigeria. For a grieving community, the process signals that while healing may take time, justice is now within reach.