Probe pastor’s death, worshippers’ abduction, can charges govt

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the government to investigate the incidents that led to the death of 14 persons from the Salvation Army and the killing and abduction of worshippers of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

The association also called on security agencies to increase their vigilance on places of worship during religious gatherings and provide adequate security measures for worshippers.

Recall that no fewer than 14 persons, from the Salvation Army, including 12 pastors, a baby, and the driver, were confirmed dead from the road crash that occurred on the bridge across the Ovia River, close to Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Thursday, June 29.

The incident happened as the officers were travelling back to Edo State after participating in a five-day Officers Council (national conference) held in Lagos.

Gunmen, in Ogun State on Saturday night, had killed the pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Abule Ori, Obafemi Owode, before abducting seven worshippers.

The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, said, “The loss of twelve pastors (officers), a baby, and a driver in a fatal accident on the same day, near Benin City, Edo State, is a devastating blow to the congregation, the body of Christ in Nigeria, and the nation at large. We stand with the Salvation Army during this very difficult time in prayer, asking that God will comfort them and ease their pain.

“We also urge the government authorities to thoroughly investigate the accident in order to prevent a repeat of this episode.

“Furthermore, the attack on worshippers at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Abule-Ori, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, is an assault on religious freedom in Nigeria. We mourn the loss of the pastor and condemn the kidnapping of worshippers who were simply exercising their religious freedom to worship.

“We commend the security agencies for their swift response to the incident and call for intensified efforts to apprehend all the perpetrators.”