At the funeral ceremony for the victims of the June 5th terror assault at the Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owaluwa, Owo, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, sobbed.
On Friday, June 17, a funeral mass was held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel in Owo.
Governor Akeredolu, who sobbed throughout his statement, said the government failed to safeguard the terror attack victims.
The Governor emphasised that the opposing forces are bad and that they will not triumph indefinitely.
"We have failed to protect these individuals. We haven't failed because we haven't tried. But, on the other hand, these troops on the opposing side are bad and have allies. He stated, "They will not be able to defeat us indefinitely."
The Governor stated that something needs to be done in the country, and that the country's security architecture needs to be restructured.
"The sea of heads that have gathered here says a lot. What has occurred in Owo, Ondo State, is terrible. To qualify it, a lot of terms are employed. Embarrassing, heinous. But I still believe there are words to explain it, but I'm at a loss for them.
"In this hall, there are just 22 (dead) people. A couple of them were laid to rest. Because the relatives were impatient and couldn't wait until today. However, according to the most recent tally, these creatures entered the church and murdered 40 people." Governor Akeredolu made the statement.
Governor Akeredolu and his wife grieve at the funeral of the victims of the Owo church shooting (photos)
Dr. Jude Arogundade, Bishop of the Ondo Catholic Diocese, however, stated that Akeredolu has not failed to safeguard his people.
"You didn't make a mistake. You are a formidable soldier. Your commitment to safeguarding those who put you in power is unquestionable. Cowards were responsible for this. "You gave it your all." According to Bishop Arogundade.
Despite the constant attacks and deaths, Bishop Arogundade pondered why the people of the country have to plead for state police.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for agreeing to establish a memorial park in honour of the victims, emphasising that those who created the circumstances that led to the catastrophe have blood on their hands.
The service was also attended by members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. David Bamidele Oleyelogun.
The burial liturgy was also attended by members of the state executive council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.
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 were among the dignitaries who attended the funeral mass.
Governor Akeredolu and his wife grieve at the funeral of the victims of the Owo church shooting (photos)
