Bishop Arogundade opposes death penalty after convictions in Nigeria’s 2022 Owo church massacre, urging justice, peace, and healing.
Newsroom (11/06/2026 Gaudium Press )Bishop Jude Ayodeji Arogundade of Nigeria’s Ondo Diocese has reiterated the Catholic Church’s firm opposition to capital punishment following the sentencing of four men convicted in the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo.
Speaking in an interview on June 9, the bishop acknowledged the importance of legal accountability in the wake of one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on a Christian place of worship in recent years. However, he stressed that the death sentences handed down by Nigeria’s Federal High Court conflict with the Church’s pro-life principles.
“Unfortunately, the Nigerian law has sentenced them to death, and as Catholics, we do not support the death penalty,” Bishop Arogundade said. “I am particularly pleased that something eventually was done, but I am pro-life to the core, and I don’t support taking of life.”
Court Verdict in One of Nigeria’s Deadliest Church Attacks
On June 3, Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris—to death by hanging after finding them guilty on multiple counts related to the Pentecost Sunday attack. A fifth defendant was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The massacre, which took place on June 5, 2022, saw gunmen storm the church during Mass, killing at least 41 worshippers and injuring many others. The attack shocked the country and drew international condemnation.
Reflecting on the verdict, Bishop Arogundade framed the outcome in terms of the cumulative loss of life. “For me, 41 people were killed that day, and now four people have been added. That is how I see it,” he said.
Call for Mercy, Conversion, and Healing
Rather than celebrating the sentencing, the bishop expressed hope that the death penalties might eventually be commuted. He emphasized the possibility of repentance and transformation even for those convicted of grave crimes.
“Hopefully, it will be reviewed, and those convicts will come to realise what they have done and begin to live a better life,” he said.
He also questioned whether any judicial outcome could truly compensate victims and their families, many of whom continue to suffer severe physical and emotional trauma.
“What is enough for somebody who is forever paralysed from the waist down? What is enough for somebody whose both legs are amputated? How do you console such people—those who lost their eyes and lost members of their bodies?” he asked.
Enduring Trauma and Faith in Divine Justice
Recalling his reaction to the attack, Bishop Arogundade described a sense of profound shock. “I was numb,” he said. “For people to go to the house of God… and want to take the life of everybody… the evil has been done, and it is evil enough.”
While some survivors may find a measure of closure in the court’s decision, the bishop underscored that ultimate justice lies beyond human institutions.
“God is the God of justice. He is the one who can console the families and bring peace to those who suffer,” he said, adding that any legal resolution may offer only partial relief to those still grappling with the pain of the attack.
Church Response: Support, Restoration, and Remembrance
In the years since the massacre, the Diocese of Ondo has undertaken extensive efforts to support victims and rebuild the affected community. These initiatives include medical and financial assistance for survivors, scholarships for children, and support programs for widows.
The church has also restored St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and constructed a memorial center to honor those who lost their lives.
“The Church has done a lot in terms of assisting those who are still nursing their wounds,” Bishop Arogundade said. “We have repaired the church… and built a memorial centre.”
Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that healing remains an ongoing journey. “We will continue to do our best to make sure that nobody suffers unduly,” he said.
Security Concerns and a Call for National Unity
Beyond the specific case, the bishop raised concerns about persistent insecurity across Nigeria, warning that violence continues to claim lives daily.
“The killings have not stopped. Even more people are being killed every single day,” he said, calling for closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities to prevent further tragedies.
“It is better to control the situation rather than pay the price for the situation,” he added.
Message of Hope and National Renewal
As he continues to accompany victims and their families, Bishop Arogundade emphasized a message of resilience, faith, and gratitude.
“My advice and my prayer… is that they will… continue to live their lives and thank God for the gift of their loved ones,” he said.
He also pointed to signs of recovery in Owo, noting the community’s determination to move forward. “The people are doing very well. They are managing the situation very well,” he said.
Looking ahead, the bishop highlighted the broader necessity of peace and justice for Nigeria’s development.
“We must continue to work for peace because we cannot grow as a nation without peace… without justice,” he said. “Nigeria has no reason to be poor… we have to seize these opportunities together to build a nation that can compete with other nations of the world.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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