Gunmen suspected to be hired assassins on Sunday morning, shot and killed the Shepherd-in-charge of the Eagle Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Idiroko area of Ogun state, Prophet Yomi Adetula.
The three armed assailants stormed the parish situated along old baggage road, Odo Eran, Idiroko, in Ipokia local government area of the state during service at about 10:30 am and opened fire at the 54-year-old Adetula.
The tragic incident occurred during service, when the gunmen were reported to have opened fire on the victim in the full glare of worshippers.
The gunmen reportedly shot at Adetula who appeared to be the target and mangled his head with an axe in the full glare of worshippers.They fled the scene after their dastardly deed.
Until his death, Adetula was Director of Anti-Arms Smuggling for the Social Orientation and Safety (So-Safe) Corps in the state.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday afternoon, Police Spokesman, CSP Omolola Odutola said: “A prophet of Celestial Church of Christ Eagle parish was shot by unknown assailants who opened fire during an active church service and the suspects fled.
“On the 19/01/25 at about 1030HRS the divisional police officer of Idiroko invested (sic) a message that someone has been killed at Celestial Church along old Baggage road, Odo Eran, Idiroko.
“Police officers raced to the scene and saw on Yomi Adetula, ‘M’, aged 54 years lifeless in the pool of blood which stained his white celestial garment lying face up.
‘Upon closer inspection, his body was found to be riddled with bullets, and his head was severely damaged with an axe to confirm that he was indeed dead.
“During the police investigation, it was revealed that three men entered the church, brandished a long double-barreled gun, aimed at their target, and fired a shot that caused chaos, and the assailant escaped”.
“Through the police’s efforts, the body was transported to the General Hospital morgue in Ilaro.
“There is no arrest made yet, but the police are actively working to apprehend the fleeing suspects who escaped from the church toward the border area.
“Normalcy has been restored in the area, and potential clues are expected to emerge in the coming days as investigations into this tragic incident are underway”, police said in the statement.
