January 19, (THEWILL) – Tragedy struck on Sunday morning at Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, as gunmen stormed the Hebrew Celestial Church of Christ and killed its Shepherd-in-Charge, Yomi Adetula, during a worship service.
Adetula, who was also the Commander of the Idiroko Unit of Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps), was gunned down around 11:00 a.m. by six assailants who disguised themselves in white garments typically worn by CCC members.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the attackers entered the church at Odo Eran, Idiroko, armed with AK-47 rifles, and shot Adetula multiple times as he preached at the altar.
After ensuring he was dead, the assailants dismembered his body inside the church before fleeing the scene.
Although the motive for the gruesome attack remains unclear, sources revealed that the late pastor had been in conflict with a smuggling cartel operating in Idiroko.
The situation reportedly became so intense that Adetula relocated to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in December 2024.
The deceased’s relocation was said to have triggered the forceful closure of his church by suspected smugglers, who allegedly threatened him over unresolved issues.
Some church members, who spoke under anonymity, described Adetula as a bold and outspoken leader who frequently stood against criminal activities in the border town.
The State Commander of the So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzalo, confirmed the incident, describing the pastor’s murder as a shocking and tragic loss.
“The news of Adetula’s death came as a rude shock. He was a committed officer who served the people diligently,” Ganzalo said.
He assured the public that the So-Safe Corps would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
