Emotional testimonies as trial resumes at Federal High Court, Abuja as a result of Owo Church Massacre
Survivors of the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have recounted their experiences before the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the Department of State Services (DSS) tendered fresh evidence against five suspects standing trial over the massacre.
The witnesses testified during the continuation of proceedings in the terrorism case filed by the Federal Government, offering detailed accounts of events surrounding the attack while identifying some of the defendants in open court.
During the hearing, the DSS presented additional documentary evidence and admitted written statements made by survivors, which were accepted by the court without objection from defence counsel. The prosecution stated that the fresh evidence forms part of efforts to establish the roles allegedly played by the accused persons before, during, and after the attack.
The five defendants are facing multiple terrorism-related charges and have all pleaded not guilty.
One of the witnesses told the court that they recognised some of the suspects during the incident and reaffirmed the identification while giving evidence. Another survivor narrated how they sustained injuries during the attack and have since undergone medical treatment.
The testimonies were marked by emotional moments, drawing attention to the long-lasting impact of the incident on victims and affected families.
The Owo church attack occurred during a Sunday worship service in June 2022 and resulted in the loss of dozens of lives, with many others injured. The incident sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed calls for accountability and improved security across the count.
The trial judge adjourned the matter to a later date to allow the prosecution to continue presenting its remaining witnesse
The ongoing trial is being closely monitored as a major test of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism justice process and a critical step toward justice for victims of one of the country’s most tragic attacks on a place of worship.
