Gunmen attack Celestial Church, kill prophet during service

A 54-year-old prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Eagle Parish, in Odo Eran Idiroko, Ogun State, was tragically shot and killed during a Sunday service by unidentified gunmen.

The assailants stormed the church, fired at the cleric, and fled the scene, leaving the congregation in shock and panic.

The Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Sunday.

“On January 19, 2025, around 10:30 AM, the divisional police officer of Idiroko received a report that someone had been killed at a Celestial Church located along Old Baggage Road, Odo Eran, Idiroko,” Odutola stated.

Police officers who arrived at the scene found the victim, identified as Yomi Adetula, lying in a pool of blood, his white garment stained red.

“Upon closer inspection, his body was riddled with bullet wounds, and his head had been severely damaged with an axe, confirming his death,” Odutola added.

Initial investigations revealed that three men entered the church armed with a double-barreled gun, specifically targeted the prophet, and fired a fatal shot, causing chaos before fleeing.

Although no arrests have been made, Odutola assured the public that efforts are underway to track down the suspects, who reportedly escaped toward the border area.

The body of the deceased has been taken to the General Hospital morgue in Ilaro.