FG says Owo church attackers, Benue killers now facing prosecution as courts convict 125 terrorists
The Federal Government has confirmed that suspects involved in the attacks in Owo, Ondo State, and Yelwata, Benue State, have been apprehended and are facing prosecution.
Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development, alongside Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation stated at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday that government findings indicate attempts to misrepresent Nigeria’s internal security situation.
He emphasised that the government is taking data-driven steps to tackle insecurity across the country.
Alake said, “Those responsible for the attack on the church in Owo have been apprehended and are facing prosecution. Similarly, the suspects behind the Yelwata killings in Benue have also been arrested and are being prosecuted.”
The minister noted that changes in the leadership of security agencies and other interventions over the past two years have contributed to what he described as the lowest levels of insecurity in Nigeria in the last decade.
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Addressing concerns about religious targeting in attacks, Alake clarified that the motivations are largely economic or political rather than faith-based. He urged the media to report developments accurately, emphasizing that responsible journalism is important for national stability.
“Even one incident is a tragedy,” Alake said, “but examining the statistics over the last decade shows the efforts the government has made to reduce insecurity.” He called on Nigerians and the media to avoid exaggerating internal disagreements or promoting narratives that could be exploited by foreign interests.
Idris, revealed that 125 terrorists have been convicted so far.
“On August 11, five terror suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State,” he said.
The suspects linked to the Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which left dozens dead and 107 injured on June 13, 2025, are also undergoing trial. Following arrests on June 24, 2025, terrorism-related charges were filed in August 2025 before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Hundreds of other suspects remain under military custody, with their cases managed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
“These arrests and trials show that Nigeria’s security agencies are taking action against perpetrators of terror,” Idris said. “We will continue to hold suspects accountable under the rule of law. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring the remnants of these groups are permanently removed.”
The government reaffirmed its readiness to work with the United States and other international partners to eliminate terrorism in Nigeria.
