Yomi Adetula, a respected 54-year-old leader of the Celestial Church of Christ, Eagle Parish, in Ogun state, Nigeria, was shot during a morning service on Sunday, Jan. 19, by gunmen reportedly affiliated with a cult group targeting Christian communities.
The community admired Adetula for his devotion to prayer and community service and for serving as a commander in the Ogun State So-Safe Security outfit. Eyewitnesses recounted a distressing scene as three attackers entered the church and fired upon the congregation.
Adewale Amos, a local community leader said, “Adetula was a man of God who dedicated himself to serving the community. We face challenges from groups that oppose spiritual efforts, and we must advocate for greater awareness and collective action to protect the rights of Christians to worship freely.”
The Ogun State Police have confirmed the incident and are actively investigating to identify and apprehend those responsible. A statement from the Police Public Relations Office acknowledged the seriousness of the crime and affirmed their commitment to bringing justice to the affected community.
According to ADF International, Nigeria, is the most dangerous country in the world for Christians. In 2023, roughly 7,000 Christians were murdered for their faith – more than the number killed in all other countries combined.