The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, failed to withhold
his emotion on Friday at the funeral mass for victims of the terror attack at
St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, Ondo State.
Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu
attended the funeral mass held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo.
The teary governor while recounting the terror attack,
lamented that the government failed to defend the victims of the attack.
“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,” Akeredolu 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,” the governor
said.
But in a swift response, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic
Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, declared that Akeredolu has not failed in
protecting his people.
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.”
The cleric wondered why the people of the country need to
beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.
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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 happen has 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
sympathizers 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, 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, Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine
Oloruntogbe.
Akeredolu had on Thursday warned the Federal Government that
its inability to secure life and property in the country would soon leave
citizens with no choice but to arm themselves in self-defense.
Akeredolu, who gave the warning while delivering the keynote
address at the meeting of the Attorney-Generals of the 36 States of Nigeria
held in Lagos, said the police were overwhelmed.
The governor asked the police to “close shop” if the Federal
Government could not meet their equipment needs.
Akeredolu insisted that the police had failed in their
constitutional role of protecting Nigerians.
“We will carry arms very soon, Oga Malami (the AGF), there
is no other way, the police have failed,” the governor declared.
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