Gunmen Attack Delta Church, Shoot Pastor, and Abduct Six Worshipers
A shocking attack by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers occurred on the night of February 21, 2025, at Elyon Paradise Ministry in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, during a vigil service. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately in the church, critically wounding Apostle Divine Aigbedosa Omodia, the pastor, and abducting six worshippers, including two security guards. The assault has raised alarms over the safety of religious institutions in Nigeria and the increasing threat of kidnapping in the region.
The attack took place at approximately 10:00 p.m. when worshippers were gathered for a vigil at the church, which is located near Delta State Polytechnic in Ogwashi-Uku. Eyewitnesses described the incident as chaotic and terrifying, with the gunmen storming the church, firing their weapons, and causing panic among the congregation.
Pastor Divine Aigbedosa Omodia was among the first to be targeted by the gunmen. According to his wife, Pastor Faith Omodia, he was shot in the lap and lost two fingers in the attack. As the assailants continued to fire shots, chaos ensued. Worshippers scrambled for safety, but the attackers rounded up six individuals before forcing them outside the church. These six victims were then abducted and taken away by the gunmen.
Pastor Faith Omodia, who was present during the attack, recounted her terrifying experience. She had been lying down with her baby inside the church hall when she first heard gunshots. She described how the sound of the bullets echoed through the auditorium as they flew toward the congregation.
“I was lying down with my baby in the church hall when I heard gunshots. Suddenly, bullets started flying inside the auditorium,” Pastor Faith Omodia explained in an interview following the attack. “I could see my husband being shot in the lap, and he lost two fingers. It all happened so quickly. We never expected something like this to happen during our vigil. It’s beyond comprehension.”
The trauma of the attack has not only affected the Omodia family but also left the entire congregation in shock. The gunmen’s motives remain unclear, but their actions suggest a pattern consistent with kidnapping for ransom, a crime that has become all too common in Nigeria.
The six individuals who were abducted have been identified as Helen Onwuamaeze, Ariyo Emmanuel, Chike Okolo, Blessing Waye, and two unnamed security guards. The gunmen did not discriminate, taking both male and female worshippers and even the church’s security personnel.
The identities of the victims, particularly the guards, have not been fully disclosed, but they are believed to be local residents who were tasked with securing the church premises during the vigil. As of the latest updates, their whereabouts remain unknown, and there has been no official statement regarding whether ransom demands have been made.
The attack has sparked concern in the local community, particularly as the gunmen were able to carry out the assault without encountering any significant resistance. Residents have expressed fear that such attacks may become more frequent, particularly as Nigeria grapples with the rising trend of kidnapping for ransom, which has affected various parts of the country.
Apostle Divine Aigbedosa Omodia was rushed to the hospital following the attack. Doctors have confirmed that he sustained gunshot wounds to his lap and hands, resulting in the loss of two fingers. Despite his injuries, he is said to be in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
Pastor Faith Omodia has been by her husband’s side throughout the ordeal, offering her support while also seeking prayers from the congregation and the wider community. The family is deeply shaken by the violence they endured, but they remain hopeful for the safe return of those who were abducted.
The attack on Elyon Paradise Ministry has sent shockwaves through the Ogwashi-Uku community. Many locals have expressed disbelief that a place of worship, which is meant to be a sanctuary, could become the site of such a brutal attack. The church, which has been a spiritual hub for the community, has now become a symbol of vulnerability, with congregants worried about the possibility of similar attacks in the future.
In the aftermath of the attack, community leaders have called for greater security measures to be implemented in religious centers across the state. They have urged local authorities to take stronger actions to prevent further violence and abductions from occurring at places of worship. Many have suggested the need for better surveillance systems, increased police patrols around religious centers, and a collaborative effort between religious organizations and law enforcement to ensure the safety of worshippers.
The attack in Delta State is just the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting religious institutions and their congregants across Nigeria. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about the rising insecurity, particularly in areas where religious groups are vulnerable to criminal activities like kidnapping.
As the frequency of such incidents increases, religious leaders and local governments have begun calling for heightened security measures. Some churches have begun hiring private security firms to protect their congregants, while others are working with local law enforcement to improve security during services.
The Nigerian government has also been under pressure to address the growing problem of insecurity, particularly in the southern and central regions of the country. Many communities are now calling for more decisive action from the government to curb the rising tide of violence and to ensure the protection of citizens, including those attending religious services.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a widespread problem in Nigeria, with criminal groups targeting a variety of victims, including wealthy individuals, schoolchildren, and religious congregants. In many cases, these kidnappers demand large sums of money in exchange for the release of their captives. While some victims are released unharmed, others face prolonged captivity, and in some instances, are even killed by their captors.
The motive behind the attack on Elyon Paradise Ministry remains unclear, but many believe it was part of the growing trend of kidnapping for ransom that has plagued Nigeria in recent years. Criminal gangs often target vulnerable groups, including those attending religious services, as they believe these individuals are easy targets who may be less likely to resist.
The Nigerian government has responded to the rise in kidnapping by deploying security forces to various regions, but many argue that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate law enforcement. Without addressing these underlying issues, it is likely that the problem of kidnapping will continue to escalate, affecting more innocent people across the country.
The attack on Elyon Paradise Ministry underscores the urgent need for collaborative action between religious organizations, local communities, and law enforcement agencies to address insecurity in Nigeria. Religious institutions must take proactive steps to enhance security at their premises, while local authorities must ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately equipped to deal with the rising threat of crime.
Additionally, the Nigerian government must prioritize efforts to address the socio-economic factors contributing to the rise in kidnapping and other violent crimes. Economic development, job creation, and the provision of basic services will be key to reducing the appeal of criminal activities in vulnerable communities.
Until more effective measures are put in place, communities across Nigeria will continue to live in fear of such attacks, and places of worship will remain vulnerable targets for criminal gangs.
The gunmen’s attack on Elyon Paradise Ministry in Delta State has left the community in a state of shock and fear. As the search for the abducted worshippers continues, residents are demanding swift action from the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the safe release of the victims. The attack highlights the growing threat of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly at places of worship, and calls for increased security measures to protect vulnerable citizens. The ongoing efforts to tackle the root causes of kidnapping and other crimes will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the years to come.
