4 Men Convicted for Killing 41 People at Church in Nigeria

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In the United States, most of us take going to Church for granted. We attend on Sunday, maybe Wednesday, and extra services as they’re offered. In Nigeria, however, Christians suffer immense persecution for their faith. As the most dangerous place for Christians to live in the world, Open Doors notes, “In northern Nigeria, 12 states have implemented Islamic law, creating a system where Christians live as second-class citizens, and conversion from Islam can be severely punished.”

While persecution is common in Nigeria, it’s also frequent. On June 5th, 2022, four men entered St. Francis Catholic Church in the town of Owo, Ondo State, during a Pentecost Service. The Sunday Mass was interrupted by open fire and explosive devices, killing many men, women, and children, in addition to causing substantial injuries to many. In total, 41 worshippers were killed, and more than 100 were injured.

Though this attack occurred in 2022, the Nigerian federal court has officially sentenced four men to death for this massacre. According to the Christian Post, Judge Emeka Nwite found “Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25, guilty on all nine counts, including joining a terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit a terrorist act, kidnapping, hostage-taking, terrorism financing, detonation of explosives causing death and injury, and homicide.”

In addition to these death sentences, the court also sentenced four additional men to 20 years in prison. Executions in Nigeria are less common but are allowed upon presidential assent. Since 2016 and 2023, over 3,000 individuals have died through this means of punishment (EWTN News).

In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from extremist attacks like these. Christians are encouraged to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ enduring persecution in Nigeria and beyond.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Yorkfoto

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.