Following the mass held in honour of those killed at Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State governor, among other mourners, wept uncontrollably during a mass held today.
Akeredolu, who was with his wife, Betty, wept during his speech, lamenting the failure of the state to protect the victims of the terror attack.
According to the governor, those who attacked the church and killed worshippers were evil people and won’t go unpunished.
“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 supports,” he said.
“They will not triumph over us forever.”
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.”
But the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, disputed that Governor’s position that he had 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.
He said he spoke to legislators and they made him realize that genocide is ongoing in Nigeria.
He added: “If this is not genocide, I don’t know what genocide is. I know they have promised us they will find the killers, all these are flimsy promises.
“What is this? Why do people have no shame? This country, you don’t have shame any more.
“They just talk but do not match talks with work. So, my brothers and sisters, you didn’t fail, your country failed you, and we know the leaders that failed us and we will continue to hold them accountable. This will not go away,” he said
AFRIPOST reports that over 40 persons were killed in the attack alleged to have been carried out by Fulani herdsmen.