Four years ago, the Pentecost Sunday service at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Nigeria, was suddenly interrupted by gunshots and explosions. As worshippers fled the building, they were confronted by armed attackers. By the time the situation was brought under control, at least 40 congregants had been killed and dozens more injured. (Additional details about this devastating incident are available here.)
Following an extended investigation, five men were charged in connection with the attack. On June 3rd, the Federal High Court convicted four of the accused – sentencing them to death – while the fifth man was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. While the defendants pleaded not guilty, each of them had given voluntary confessions. They further stated that their leader (who remains at large) had instructed them to carry out the attack, alleging that the Catholic church had committed blasphemy. The assailants were reportedly under orders to kill the priest, who survived the attack. The convicted men also claimed their affiliation with al-Shabaab, an Islamic terrorist group primarily based in Somalia.
Following the convictions, prosecutor Ayodeji Adedipe stated, "Justice has been served; justice has been done to the deceased who were murdered in cold blood." The defence counsel representing the convicted men, however, indicated that an appeal will be filed against the sentences.
- In light of these sobering convictions, please pray for all those who continue to be impacted by this tragedy, asking the Lord to provide the victims and their loved ones comfort, healing and the continued reassurance that their suffering has not been forgotten.
- Also taking into consideration the many other cases of violence that have likewise impacted the country's Christian communities, ask the Lord to protect, strengthen and comfort those who live under the threat of unprovoked attacks from hostile terrorist groups.
- Lift up the perpetrators of such senseless attacks against our fellow members of humanity, in hopes that they would be convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit and thus turn in faith to Christ – who offers eternal life to all who willingly receive His gift of salvation.
- As you uphold this troubled West African nation before the throne of God, pray that His righteousness and justice will ultimately prevail.
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