Victims identify suspects in Owo Church attack during trial

Two more witnesses gave harrowing testimonies on Tuesday about the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, as the Federal High Court in Abuja admitted additional evidence from the Department of State Services (DSS).

The DSS is prosecuting five men — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — on amended nine counts related to terrorism.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

The attack occurred during a Pentecost Sunday Mass. Gunmen stormed the church, locking the main entrance, opening fire on worshippers, and detonating explosives.

The coordinated assault left at least 41 people dead and over 100 injured, devastating the Owo community.

During Tuesday’s hearing, a male witness, identified only as SSB, described how the gunmen entered the church through a side door after worshippers tried to secure the main entrance.

He initially identified Momoh Abubakar but later corrected himself, pointing to Al Qasim Idris after the man removed his face mask. SSB also identified Abdulhaleem Idris as the attacker carrying a bag when leaving.

He recounted the explosions and gunfire, saying, “I fell on my face in fear… More than 40 worshippers were killed while many others were injured.”

A female witness, SSC, who survived the attack with permanent injuries to her left leg, described the moment a gunman dropped dynamite near her while asking, “Do you know why we are doing this?” She also recounted seeing the body of her two-year-old cousin, whose mother could not identify her due to severe injuries.

SSC showed the court her operated leg, noting it had undergone four surgeries and still contained metal fixtures.

Both witnesses confirmed they had made statements to the DSS in Akure on May 26, 2024.

Their statements were admitted into evidence as Exhibits B and C without objection.

DSS counsel Adedayo Adedipe (SAN) said seven more witnesses are expected to testify, with two scheduled at the next hearing. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to January 14, 2026.

The Owo church attack remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist incidents targeting civilians in places of worship.

The ongoing trial aims to hold the perpetrators accountable while highlighting security challenges and the DSS’s role in counter-terrorism efforts.