Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and Betty, his wife, forced tears back on Friday during the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5 terrorist attack at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, Ondo State.
At the burial liturgy at the Mydas Resort and Hotel in Owo attended by Olusegun Mimiko, former Ondo Governor, Akeredolu, who sobbed throughout his statement, said the government failed in its entirety in safeguarding Nigerians.
According to the governor, the security architecture of the country needs total overhauling.
However, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Jude Arogundade who consoled Akeredolu said he has not failed in protecting his people.
“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”
During the funeral mass, the expansive hall of the Mydas Resort was filled to the brim as families of the victims and sympathizers from across and beyond the state were on ground to pay their last respects.
Also present at the mass were the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo Jude Arogundade and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Matthew Kukah, as well as priests, friends and families of bereaved.
Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Ekiti state governments had announced days of mourning in honour of the victims of the massacre.
According to the church authorities, not less than 40 people died from the attack while many others were badly injured.
Names and photos of the victims of the killings, which include children and the aged, have been released by Ondo State commissioner Bamidele Ademola Olateju.
List of the victims:
Sir and Lady Ajanaku, Virginus Ani, Fabian Emeka Nweke, Deborah Onuoha, Chukwudi Onuoha Justinah Ugwumadu, Njoku Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Ani Chidiogo, Caroline Aina Agboola, Umunna Okafor, Oluwatoyin Akinyemi, Christiana Oladepe Olajide, Bridget Ozulumba, Regina Nnabife, Mr. Obuche, Andegbe Gift, Okefi Cordelia, Onah Chijioke, Sunday Mary, Ekun Roseline Funmilayo, Omolola Monogbe, Eze Chikamso, Anthony Onuyi Ojapah, John Bosede Testimony and Monogbe Omolayo John.
