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OGUN, Nigeria - Religious services at a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Idiroko, located in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, were abruptly interrupted when gunmen invaded the site, resulting in the death of Yomi Adetula, a Commander of the state’s Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, commonly referred to as So-SAFE Corps.
The 54-year-old victim, who was also a senior member of the church, was shot multiple times and had his head brutally mangled with an axe to eliminate any chance of survival.
Reports indicate that the attackers stormed the CCC Eagle Parish on Baggage Road, Odo Eran, Idiroko, around 10:30 AM on Sunday, opening fire on the victim during the church service. Adetula served as the Idiroko Unit Commander of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps and was known for opposing illegal transborder trade.
Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday afternoon, stating, “Police officers rushed to the scene and discovered Yomi Adetula, a 54-year-old male, lying lifeless in a pool of blood, his white celestial garment stained.”
She added, “Upon close examination, his body was found to be riddled with bullets, and his head had not been spared. To ensure the victim was truly dead, it was mangled with an axe.”
Further investigations revealed that three men entered the church, brandished a long double-barrel gun, targeted their victim, and fired a shot that brought him down.
The spokesperson noted that the corpse has been taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ilaro.
The police command has begun efforts to capture the suspects, who fled into the border area after the attack.
“Normalcy has been restored, and we expect to uncover possible leads in the coming days as the investigation into this tragic incident has commenced,” Odutola concluded.
