Suspected
hired assassins launched an attack on Reverend Samuel Chinyereugo, a pastor,
resulting in
the tragic death of his wife, Peace, in Edo State. The incident
occurred at the God’s Vineyard of Grace Dominion Assembly, situated at 101,
Upper Lawani Street, New Benin, Benin City, around 7:36 pm on Monday, August
14, 2023. The assailants stormed the church premises and opened fire, targeting
the pastor.
During the
assault, the assistant pastor sustained head injuries. A confidential source
informed Punch that the gunmen had trailed the pastor and his wife, who had
arrived at the church together. Upon parking their car in front of the church,
the assailants promptly unleashed a barrage of bullets, catching the couple by
surprise.
Coinciding
with this incident, several church members, including the assistant pastor,
were rehearsing outdoors for an upcoming event. The senior pastor and his wife
had pulled up during this rehearsal. The pastor revealed that he had previously
noticed a suspicious vehicle tailing him within the GRA area, where he had visited
a friend. His shock intensified when the same car suddenly came to a stop
behind him at his church.
From the
vehicle, three armed individuals emerged. One of them approached the pastor and
forcibly seized a cross pendant from his necklace. Simultaneously, the other
two assailants fired shots from the rear. Tragically, the pastor’s wife
sustained gunshot wounds and succumbed to her injuries a few hours later at a
hospital. Meanwhile, both the pastor and his deputy received medical treatment
and were subsequently discharged.
The
spokesperson for the state police, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident
and assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway to identify and
apprehend the culprits responsible for this heinous act, ensuring that justice
is served.
