Owo Massacre: Governor Akeredolu And Wife In Tears At Burial Ceremony Of Owo Victims (Photos)

At the burial ceremony for the victims of the June 5th terror assault at the Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owaluwa, Owo, the Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu were seen sobbing.

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 emphasized that the opposing forces are bad and that they will not prevail for long.

He said, “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.”

The Governor stated that something needs to be done in the country and that the country’s security architecture needs to be restructured.

He said, 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.”

Dr Jude Arogundade, Bishop of the Ondo Catholic Diocese, however, stated that Akeredolu has not failed to safeguard his people.

The bishop 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.”

Despite the constant attacks and deaths, Bishop Arogundade questioned 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, emphasizing 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 mass 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, and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chief Olusola Oke, the APC’s Chieftain were also present at the burial ceremony.