In Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, armed men who were allegedly kidnappers stormed a house of worship, murdered the pastor, and took six worshippers hostage.
During a vigil on Friday, February 21, 2025, the assailants reportedly barged inside Elyon Paradise Ministry.
Apostle Divine Aigbedosa Omodia was shot and wounded in the attack that happened at the church near Delta State Polytechnic at about 10 o’clock in the evening.
Worries about religious center security have intensified in the wake of the incident, and locals are pleading with the government to act quickly to free the hostages and punish those responsible.
Pastor Faith Omodia, who is married to Divine, described the horrific event, saying that the assailants shot randomly into the church auditorium.
She said her husband was shot in the lap and lost two fingers.
“I was lying down with my baby in the church hall when I heard gunshots. Suddenly, bullets started flying inside the auditorium.”
After pushing the worshippers outdoors, the gunmen abducted six, including two security guards.
The victims were Helen Onwuamaeze, Ariyo Emmanuel, Chike Okolo, Blessing Waye, and the unnamed guards.