It was uncontrolled tears, on Friday, at the funeral service for the deceased, who were gruesomely murdered by gunmen at the St Francis Catholic Church, in Owo, Ondo State. 

On June 5, 2022, terrorists, decked in camouflage, launched a deadly attack, on parishioners at the Catholic Church, killing 40 persons, and wounding dozens who had come for Sunday mass.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who led members of the State Executive Council, alongside his wife; Betty, wept during the service.

The service was held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, in Owo, amid tight security, as the hall was filled to the brim. 

Peoples Gazette learned that families of the deceased and victims, thronged the venue of the funeral mass, with tears. 

Speaking, Mr Akeredolu said the government has failed in its responsibilities to protect the casualties of the terror attack.  

He noted that the forces on the other side are “evil” but quickly added 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,” Mr Akeredolu said. 

The governor said the terrorists, who carried out the attacks are “animals” stressing that the security architecture of the nation needs to be rejigged.

“When I see the sea of heads that are here, it speaks volumes. What has happened 

to us here in Owo, Ondo state is indescribable. 

“A lot of words are used to qualify it -dastardly, horrendous… but I believe there are more 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.”  

Earlier, Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Jude Arogundade, who appreciated the governor for his bravery, described the perpetrators of the attack as “cowards”.  

Mr Arogundade wondered why the people of the country would have to beg for state police, despite the senseless killings and attacks on the innocent. 

He, however, said those who created the situation that made the incident happened has drops of blood on their hands.

Olusegun Mimiko, the former governor of the state, was among the high-profile dignitaries, who attended the funeral mass.