Abuja cleric beaten to death by assailants during church service

A 64-year-old cleric of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi, was allegedly beaten to death by unidentified assailants in Abuja. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Castle of Mercy Parish in the Waru District during a mercy service.

Reports indicate that the attackers entered the church premises and forcibly dragged the Shepherd-in-Charge, a retired soldier, from his apartment. Despite resisting the attack, the cleric was overpowered and sustained fatal injuries. He was rushed to a hospital by neighbors but was confirmed dead a few hours later.

The FCT Police Command has launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators. The church’s assistant shepherd has reportedly been detained for questioning. The cleric was interred at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja following a service of songs.