BY CHUKWUMA NNAM
Gunmen suspected to be hired assassins have stormed the King of Kings Parish of the Redeemed Church of God, RCCG, in Maidan village, Ikosi Ketu area of Lagos, leaving the officiating pastor dead.
Before killing him, members of the church said the gunmen shot Pastor Bolanle Ibrahim, after showing him a picture to confirm he was the one.
The incident which happened Sunday, according to eyewitnesses disrupted the baby dedication service that was ongoing in the church as members fled in different directions for safety.
Church members explained that when the assailants stormed the church, they made straight for the pulpit where Ibrahim, an Assistant Pastor, was praying for mothers and their children who were brought for dedication.
Another pastor was said to have approached the invaders and demanded to know what offence his colleague had committed to having warranted such embarrassment in the house of God.
Rather than respond, they reportedly hit their victim with the butt of the gun and shot him dead. The assailants were said to have threatened to shoot anyone who dared to come near them.
“One of the pastors, who came to ask them who they were, was hit with the butt of the gun in the mouth. They fired a warning shot before leaving.”
A spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the attack, said the command had a clue into the killing and had begun an investigation.
He said: “A man was attacked during church service. The assailants went for him in the church. We are investigating the case because we have a clue into the killing.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, has directed the Tactical Commanders to handle the matter as expected. We will unravel the case. The Commissioner of Police has taken steps to subdue cult-related activities in Mile 12 and Ketu areas.”
