…over 40 worshippers were killed in the Owo Church Massacre.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The federal government is set to arraign five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022, bombing and mass shooting at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left more than 40 worshippers dead.
The suspects Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar will be tried before Justice Obiorah Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Authorities have filed nine counts of terrorism against them, marking a major step in a case that has lingered for three years.
Their arrest was first announced in 2022 by the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, who revealed that the attack had been linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The National Security Council had similarly confirmed ISWAP’s involvement in the carnage.
The Owo attack shocked the nation, as armed assailants stormed the church during Sunday mass, detonated explosives, and opened fire on the congregation. Dozens were killed on the spot, while many others sustained life-altering injuries.
The upcoming trial is expected to reopen painful memories for victims’ families, while also testing the government’s resolve to deliver justice in high-profile terrorism cases.
