“We Failed To Protect These People.” – Akeredolu Laments And Weeps At The Funeral Of Slain Owo Victims.
• “You didn’t fail. Your determination to protect your people is unquestionable “ – Bishop Arogundade replies
Gov. Akeredolu and Wife
Tears flowed freely on Friday at the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5th terror attack at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, attended the funeral mass held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo.
But in a swift response, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, declared that Governor Akeredolu has not failed 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.”
Governor Akeredolu stressed that the forces on the other side are evil, assuring that they will not triumph forever.
“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 support. They will not triumph over us forever. ” He said.
The Governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the security architecture of the nation needs 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 am 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. Governor Akeredolu said.
Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attacks and killings.
He thanked the Governor for allowing him to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happen had blood 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.
At the funeral mass, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Ondo State; Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); and Chieftain of the APC, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, were also present at the funeral.
The local government chairmen were also led by the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALCON) Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe.
Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
