Less than a week before the ninth Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service at the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Testimony Parish, Elerumoke, Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, suspected thieves have raided the church premises and made away with two large cows worth nearly N2 million.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, the incident occurred last Saturday, catching the church’s leadership and members by surprise.
The cows, which were meant for the celebration, had been tied within the church premises.
According to Oluso Ayo, a church leader, the thieves untied the animals and disappeared, leaving behind only footprints.
“We saw traces of the thieves and the cows but couldn’t determine where they were taken.
Such thefts have reportedly happened in the area before, but this is the first in our church,” Ayo stated.
One church member lamented, “If this can happen in a church, where else is safe?”
The Parish Shepherd, Prophet Rotimi Agunbiade Temitope, confirmed that the cows were purchased through members’ contributions.
He noted that the thieves exploited the church’s incomplete perimeter fence, a vulnerability now being addressed to prevent future incidents.
Despite the setback, the church proceeded with the Thanksgiving service as scheduled.
The church has appealed to the public for prayers and information on the stolen cows, urging anyone with leads to contact the parish.
