The Christian Association of Nigeria in Ogun State expressed sadness on Sunday over the killing of a pastor, Kayode Oluwakemi, by kidnappers who had abducted seven worshippers. Meanwhile, all the abducted individuals were later rescued in the state.
According to reports, the churchgoers were conducting a vigil at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Desires of Nations Parish when the kidnappers invaded the church premises at Abule-Ori in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Tragically, the pastor was killed, and seven worshippers were taken captive.
Reacting to this distressing incident, Stephen Adeyemi, the General Secretary of CAN, urged the government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity around worship centres in the state. Adeyemi questioned whether it had become a sin for worshippers to gather in their sanctuary to worship God, highlighting the alarming sense of fear and lack of safety in society. He stressed the need for government intervention in addressing the issue of insecurity, particularly regarding how criminals freely operate within the sacred space of a church.
Confirming the incident, the State So-Safe Corps Commander, Soji Ganzallo, stated that his officers had successfully rescued the seven kidnapped victims, while one of the kidnappers was killed during the operation. Ganzallo further revealed that several other suspects sustained serious injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Additionally, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the case was reported to the police by one of the pastors of the church, Adesina Oyesegun. Odutola stated that the hoodlums had opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the fatal shooting of Pastor Kayode Oluwakemi. However, she reassured that the abducted victims had been freed, and efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining fugitives.