Suspected Assassins Kill CCC Pastor During Service in Ogun

Tragedy struck on Sunday when gunmen, suspected to be hired assassins, shot and killed Yomi Adetula, the Shepherd-in-charge of a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Idiroko, a border town in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. The shocking murder occurred during the Sunday service, around 11 a.m., while Adetula was preaching.

Details of the Attack

An eyewitness at the scene revealed that the gunmen, who were six in number and armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the Hebrew Celestial Church located at Odo Eran on the Old Garrage Road in Idiroko. Dressed in the distinctive white garments of the Celestial Church, the assailants opened fire on Adetula while he was still at the pulpit. The gunmen did not leave the scene until they were certain the pastor was dead, even going so far as to dismember his body inside the church before fleeing the area.

Background on the Victim

The deceased, Yomi Adetula, was not only a pastor but also served as the Idiroko Unit Commander of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-SAFE Corps), a community security outfit established and funded by the Ogun State Government. His position in the local community, along with his leadership role in the security outfit, suggests that the murder might be linked to local power struggles or criminal activities in the area.

Potential Motive Behind the Murder

Though the exact motive for the killing is still under investigation, sources have indicated that Adetula had been in conflict with a smuggling cartel operating in Idiroko Border Town. In fact, it was reported that Adetula had been involved in an ongoing dispute with smugglers in the area, which led to his transfer to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in December 2024. This transfer came after intense pressure from the cartel, which also led to the forceful closure of his church in December by suspected smugglers.

The connection between Adetula’s security role and his dispute with smuggling syndicates in the region has led some to believe that the murder may be linked to his efforts to curb illegal activities in the area.

Reaction from So-SAFE Corps

The State Commander of the So-SAFE Corps, Soji Ganzalo, confirmed the tragic incident, expressing his shock upon hearing the news of Adetula’s assassination. Ganzalo assured the public that the So-SAFE Corps would work tirelessly with relevant authorities to fully investigate the murder and bring those responsible to justice. He also pledged to assist security agencies by providing any necessary information that could help in the identification and capture of the suspects.

Community Shock and Mourning

The brutal killing of Yomi Adetula has left the community in deep shock, with church members and local residents struggling to come to terms with the loss. His role in the community, particularly with the So-SAFE Corps, made him a prominent figure in the fight against crime in Idiroko, and his murder has raised serious concerns about the growing influence of smuggling cartels and the dangers faced by those in law enforcement positions in the area.

The investigation into the murder is ongoing, and authorities are hoping that a swift resolution will bring closure to the community and justice to the slain pastor.