Margaret Attah, a survivor of the devastating June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, has spoken out about her harrowing experience and the recent court judgment that left her feeling unfulfilled.
Attah lost both legs and one eye in the attack, which killed over 40 people and injured many more. Despite the passage of time, she says the pain and trauma remain, and that justice can’t restore what was lost. She’s not alone in her sentiment, as many victims of terrorism and their families often struggle to find closure and compensation in the aftermath of such atrocities.
The Limits of Justice
The recent court judgment that Margaret Attah refers to was likely the trial of the suspects involved in the Owo church attack. While a guilty verdict may bring some sense of closure, it won’t restore Attah’s physical abilities or bring back her lost loved ones. This is a harsh reality that many victims of terrorism face, where the justice system often falls short in providing true justice.
In a system that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation and reparation, many victims are left with unfulfilled expectations. Attah’s case highlights the need for a more holistic approach to addressing trauma and providing support to those affected by terrorism. This includes not just financial compensation, but also access to quality medical care, counseling, and social support.
The Human Cost of Terrorism
Margaret Attah’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of terrorism. The physical and emotional scars left by such attacks can be lifelong, and the justice system often struggles to provide adequate support and compensation. As Attah herself said, justice can’t restore what was lost, but it can provide a sense of closure and validation for victims and their families.
What this means for victims of terrorism is that they need a safety net that goes beyond the courtroom. This includes government support, community resources, and access to quality medical care and counseling. Only then can victims begin to rebuild their lives and find some measure of closure.
A Call to Action
Margaret Attah’s story is a call to action for governments, policymakers, and the international community to do more to support victims of terrorism. This includes providing adequate compensation, access to medical care, and social support. It also requires a shift in the justice system, prioritizing rehabilitation and reparation over punishment. Only then can we truly say that justice has been served.



