With teary eyes, the governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, lamented that his government failed to protect the victims of the June 5 terror attack at Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The governor who was in the company of his wife, Betty, spoke at the funeral mass for the victims held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo.
The wife also wept.
His words: “We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have supports. They will not triumph over us forever.”
In a swift response, however, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, declared that Akeredolu did not fail in protecting his people.
Bishop Arogundade said: “You didn’t fail. You are a strong soldier. Your determination to protect those who voted you into power is unquestionable. This was done by cowards. You have tried your best.”
Akeredolu stressed that the forces on the other side were evil, assuring that they would not triumph forever.
The governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the security architecture of the nation needed rejigging.
“When I see the sea of heads that are here it speaks volumes. What has happened to us in Owo in Ondo State is indescribable. A lot of words are used to qualify it. Dastardly, horrendous. But I still believe there are words to use to describe it but I’m still short of those words.
“We have just 22 (deceased) in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today. But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people,” Akeredolu said.
Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country needed to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.
He thanked the governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happened had bloods on their hands.
Meanwhile, the expansive hall of the Mydas Resort and Hotel was filled to the brim as families of the victims, people of Owo, and other sympathisers thronged the venue of the funeral mass.
Members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. David Bamidele Oleyelogun also attended the service.
Also, members of the state executive council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were present at the funeral mass.
Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chieftain of the APC , Chief Olusola Oke, SAN,
The local government chairmen were also led by the Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALCON, Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe.
