The victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorists attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State were, on Friday, buried in Emure community amid tears by family members and friends.
No fewer than 40 worshippers, including four children, were reportedly killed on the church premises after Sunday service by the rampaging gunmen.
They were said to have operated unchallenged by security agents for about 30 minutes.
Speaking at the funeral mass held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo, on Friday, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, regretted that government failed in its duty to protect the lives of the victims, because the attackers had backers.
The governor, who said he lacked the words to describe the massacre, vowed that evil would not prevail over the state.
“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.
Meanwhile, Enugu born Virginus Ani and his daughter Chidiogo were not among the 22 buried in Owo on Friday.
Father and daughter from Umuohagwu Obie AKU in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu state, who were among the unfortunate worshippers who lost their lives in the invasion have been brought home for burial in Enugu.
Sources say the deceased wife and one of his children had attended the early morning service and returned safely before late Virginus, his son and daughter joined the subsequent church service during which the Hoodlums struck.
Our source disclosed that immediately his father fell to the ground following a gunshot, the son dived and rolled with him on the ground feigning to have been shot too.
Thus he he was saved from the bullet of the blood thirsty invaders who also killed the deceased little daughter.
