Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Friday said at the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo that he has failed his people.
Akeredolu wept while delivering a speech at the funeral which he attended with his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.
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 supports. They will not triumph over us forever.”
At least 40 persons were killed and many injured in the attack.
The governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the security architecture of the nation needs change.
“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,” he added.
Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese Jude Arogundade encouraged Akeredolu that he did not fail in protecting his people.
He 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.”
Dignitaries at the funeral mass included former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko; chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ade Adetimehin; and chieftain of the APC, Olusola Oke.
