A 64-year-old cleric of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Venerable Superior Evangelist Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi, has died after being brutally assaulted by unidentified hoodlums who invaded his church premises in the Waru District of Abuja.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during the parish’s weekly Wednesday Mercy Service, which began around 9:00 AM at the Castle of Mercy Parish.
According to reports from Celestial Reality Check (CRC-MEDIA), the assailants targeted the residential apartment of the Shepherd-in-Charge located directly within the church compound. They forcibly breached his quarters and dragged him outside into the open court.
Distress calls unheard as retired soldier succumbs to injuries
The cleric, who was a retired military officer, attempted to fight off his attackers. Witnesses indicated that a physical struggle ensued for several minutes before the gang overpowered him, inflicting severe physical injuries.
Despite his cries for help echoing across the grounds, no intervention arrived in time to stop the assault. The assailants fled the scene immediately after leaving him incapacitated.
Neighbours and congregants eventually reached the cleric and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where medical staff confirmed his death hours later due to the extent of his injuries.
Police launch homicide inquiry and make arrest
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation to establish the motive behind the attack and track down the perpetrators.
As part of preliminary inquiries, law enforcement officers invited and subsequently detained the parish’s assistant shepherd for questioning.
Following formal procedures, a service of songs was held at the church premises, and the late cleric’s remains were laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Thursday.
