A 54-year-old prophet from the Celestial Church of Christ’s Eagle Parish was shot and killed by gunmen in the Odo Eran Idiroko area of Ogun State, Nigeria, during an active Sunday service.
The attack occurred on January 19, 2025, around 10:30 AM, when the assailants opened fire inside the church before fleeing the scene.
Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the tragic event in a statement issued from Abeokuta, the state capital. She reported that the divisional police officer of Idiroko received an alert about the shooting and promptly dispatched officers to the location along Old Baggage Road. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, identified as Yomi Adetula, lying face up in a pool of blood, his white celestial garment stained red.
Further investigation revealed that the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and had suffered severe head trauma, indicating a brutal attack. Eyewitness accounts suggested that three men had entered the church, brandishing a long double-barreled gun, and targeted the prophet, causing panic among congregants before making their escape.
As of now, no arrests have been made, but law enforcement officials are actively pursuing the suspects who fled towards the border area. The body of the deceased prophet has been transferred to the General Hospital morgue in Ilaro for further examination. The community is in shock as they mourn the loss of their leader in a senseless act of violence.
