BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria – Gunmen suspected to be assassins have shot a Pastor and gunned down his wife in Benin City.
The Pastor’s Assistant also sustained injuries on his heads during the rain of bullets about 7:36 pm on Monday August 14, 2023.
Police identified the clergy as Rev. Dr. Samuel Chinyereugo, and his deceased wife Mrs. Peace Chinyereugo of God’s Vineyard of Grace Dominion Assembly, 101, Upper Lawani Street, New Benin, Benin City.
It was learnt that the ferocious gunmen trailed the cleric who drove in company of his wife to the church where they rained heavy bullets on them as soon as they pulled over in front of the church.
Some members of the church including the Assistant pastor were outside the church having rehearsed ahead of a program scheduled to commence today when the Pastor and his wife stopped by.
The cleric was quoted to have said that he had earlier noticed a car trailing him inside GRA, where he had visited his friend as he was shocked to see the same vehicle suddenly pull over behind him in front his church.
It was gathered that one of the three armed men who alighted from the car in a Commando manner, had accosted the Pastor, snatched the cross pendant on his necklace as the two other assailants opened fire from the rear.
In the melee that ensued, the Pastor’s wife was fatally hit by bullets as she died at the hospital a few hours after, while her husband and his deputy, were resuscitated and discharged.
When our correspondent visited the scene this morning blood stains were visible as relics of smashed windscreen littered the front of the church.
Though the church was locked, sympathizers, most of whom were members of the church thronged the premises.
Attempts to obtain the contact of the clergyman from members of the congregation failed.
Confirming the despicable attack, the Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor said operatives of Command had commenced full-scale investigation to unmask and prosecute the perpetrators.
It would be recalled that Apostle Johnson Suleiman’s convoy was similarly attacked by gunmen along the Benin-Auchi Road, Edo State, on October 21, 2022, and six of his aides were killed.
