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Just in: Tears as RCCG Pastor killed by abductors, finally buried

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Just in: Tears as RCCG Pastor killed by abductors, finally buried

The pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Olugbenga Adedolapo Olawore, who was abducted and murdered by kidnappers on Lanlate-Eruwa road, was on Tuesday buried as Christian faithful, friends and relations mourned him.

The burial took place at a cemetery in Mowo, off Badagry expressway, Lagos State, after a church service at the RCCG (City of His Glory), zonal headquarters along Badagry expressway. People who gathered there wore sombre looks. Some shed tears as the atmosphere turned sombre.

In his ministration, a cleric, Pastor G. Aribisala, quoting Psalms 90:4 andq Ecclesiastes 3:2, declared the shortnessq of life, but added that the deceased had lived his life, fulfilled his time and purpose.

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“One day, we will see him face to face because we will all die one day.

“Life is a market. When you get there does not determine when you will leave.

“We shall all give account and face judgement one day. His killers will not escapeq judgment,” he said.

The pastor enjoined all to live their lives to satisfy God, just as Pastor Olawore lived and served God diligently.

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He prayed for the deceased’s family and asked God to protect them and make themq untouchable for the enemies.

At the graveside, the assistant pastor in charge of Lagos Province 73, which was headed by Pastor Olawore before his sudden death, Pastorq Simeon Olaniran, gave a short message before the lowering of the casket into the grave.

Quoting Hebrew 9:27, Pastor Olaniran pointed out that every humanq being has one life to live, after which judgmentq comes.

He urged everyone to repent of their wrong acts before it would be too late.

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The deceased’s younger brother, Mr Bolaji Olawore, who gave vote of thanks, expressed appreciation for theq support given by all at a trying period for the family.

On Monday, the wake keep service was held for the late pastor at his residence at Edu town, Off Agbara-Lusada road, Ogun State.

In his exhortation, the cleric who presided over the wake keep service, Pastor Hunpe Emmanuel, titled his message: ‘There is a timing for everyone.’

In reference to a song, Pastor Emmanuel described God as a fountain of life which is flowing everywhere, giving an assurance that whosoever tastes Him will never thirst again.

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He said: “There is a time that everyone will get to their bus stop and alight,” cautioning those in attendance to get prepared for their own timing.

He said that the testimonies of the deceased given by the people were enough assurances that he was in heaven.

He enjoined the late pastor’s nuclear and extended family members to take solace in God, and thereafter prayed for and handed them over to God for safekeeping.

Paying tributes to the late pastor, Reverend Komolafe of the Anglican Church in the neighbourhood, described the deceased as a perfect gentleman and a prayer champion.

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A next door resident, Mrs Tomchukwu, spoke on his gentleness, saying that he never had quarrels with neighbours.

Pastor Mrs Oladele recalled how the deceased gave her money on two occasions to connect electricity in her house, having been in darkness for years in their new house.

The last born of the Olawore family, Kolawole, who shed tears uncontrollably, described the late pastor as a soldier.

He noted that life was full of mystery as he fought battle till death, assuring the deceased’s wife that nobody in the family would intimidate her.

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A brother-in-law described Pastor Olawore as a peace-loving man who was more of his brother since he married his sister 20 years ago.

The deceased’s wife, Mrs Olawore, said until his sudden death, her husband was her friend, father and companion who loved God and always went into the neighbourhood to preach the gospel of repentance.

When RCCG pastors were contacted for comment, the move was politely declined, as they said that they were not in the position to speak with the media.

Pastor Olawore was in charge of Heavens Gate Parish, Lagos Province 73, along Agbara-Lusada Road, Ogun State, before his demise penultimate week after he was kidnapped by gunmen at Maya axis of Lanlate-Eruwa Road, along with other passengers in a commercial bus on Thursday, April 18 at about 5:00p.m.

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Nigerian Tribune learnt that he went to his hometown, Ipapo Town, to put final touches to the burial arrangement for his mother who died in February.

He had boarded a commercial bus on his return trip home when the occupants were confronted with sporadic shots by kidnappers.

One of the passengers, a female, reportedly died instantly, while the remaining ones were shepherded into the bush by fully-armed abductors.

The kidnappers were said to have started calling family members of their victims, including the pastor’s wife, for payment.

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However, things turned awry for unknown reason on Friday, a day after the abduction, making the kidnappers to kill the victims they held in hostage, except two of them who were able to escape.

Nigerian Tribune further learnt that though the pastor’s family had learnt of his murder by the kidnappers, the news was broken to his wife on Monday, April 21.

The wake keep service for the pastor’s mother had been slated for April 26, while her burial was to be on Friday, May 3.

The late pastor was born in 1971 and was 53 years old when he died.

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He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Lagos State University and University of Lagos where he got NCE certificate, B.Sc and M.Sc degrees respectively.

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HoR Minority Caucus decries killings in Plateau, Benue states, urges immediate presidential decisive actions

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The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed serious concerns over killings in Plateau and Benue states demanding immediate presidential decisive actions.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, leader, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C
Minority Whip ,Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader ,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip.

The caucus in the statement outrightly condemned the disturbing trend of killings, maiming, and kidnapping of innocent people across the country.

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” Following the killings of over 50 people in Bokkos, Plateau state; loss of many lives in twin attacks in Otukpo, Benue state, coming a few days after the Uromi, Edo state unfortunate incident, the Caucus is seriously worried about these growing acts of brigandage and unprovoked attacks on law-abiding citizens.

The Caucus is deeply concerned that with reckless abandon, deliberate disrespect for human lives, and disregard for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, these marauders inflict merciless torture, unexplainable pains, and callous killings of helpless, and defenceless Nigerians.

These gruesome murders and the shedding of the blood of innocent lives happening in quick successions in three locations across the country, stands condemnable by every conscionable Nigerian.

The ferociousness and sporadic nature of the vicious actions perpetrated by yet unknown persons remains shocking.

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Worried about the dangers this portends to the security of lives and properties of Nigerians; which is the main purpose of government, the Caucus calls on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate, intentional, and timely decisions towards nipping the disturbing tide in the bud.

Good, he has directed that the perpetrators should be apprehended. However, given the severity of these incidents, and implications on national security, the Caucus urges the president; through the National Security Adviser to ensure that all security agencies embark on comprehensive and strategic collaboration towards arresting those involved in these heinous and gory incidents.

The government should ensure the immediate release of the numerous innocent people that were kidnapped during the dastardly incidents.

The Caucus commiserates with the government, and people of Plateau, and Benue states over the unfortunate incidents. The Caucus also expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims, and pray for the quick release of those kidnapped.

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Finally, as a responsive and responsible group of lawmakers, the Caucus promises to pursue legislative actions; where and when necessary towards finding realistic solutions to these negative developments in our country.

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OERAF held memorial lecture on conflict resolution, security/safety of community in Nigeria

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The Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) on Tuesday 8th April, 2025 held memorial lecture on conflict resolution and security/safety of community in Nigeria, in honour of late chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D, who was born on April 4th 1924 and passed on April 9th 1995.

The event which took place at the popular Ughelli Kingdom Hall, witnessed several brilliant security experts and government functionalities.

Presenting his brief opening speech, the Executive Director of Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation, SPY CSP Olotu Otemu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP) revealed that over the years, the foundation has been touching lives and rendering community impact services across board.

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He maintained that his late grand father was a great community leader per excellence and until his death, he was the spoke person (Otota) of the great Ughelli Kingdom. which is why as we celebrate his remembrance, I decided to use the opportunity to impact more lives.” He added.

On his part, the guest speaker of the event, Mr Sylvester Obose, CSS,MNIIS dealt wonderously on the topic.

According to him, Mr Sylvester said the training focuses on the definition, causes of conflict, and dynamics of conflicts.

He further said that the goal was to increase participants knowledge of the concept and study of conflict and conflicts prevention.

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He concluded that the safety and security of our community is something that is of paramount importance. By implementing those measures presented to you today, everyone of us stand a better chance of making community safe and secured.

Dr Wilton T. Harry, MIS, CPP,DFCSI,FNIS, also spoke extensively on the same topic during the security training. He posited that the security of lives and properties is a collective responsibility.

The OERAF Executive Director also use the medium to register several others into the Delta State Contributory health insurance scheme.

Dignitaries present during the training were: Olorogun Major Patrick A. Egone Rtd, member Delta State Advisory Council, Chief Emmanuel Ogobene, member Delta State Advisory Council, Mr Edwin Asima, LGSC, Ughelli North Local Government, Chief. Mrs Grace Akpodiete, Deaconess Florence Enughwure, Bar. Agboka Akpodiete- Omale.

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Other highlights of the event was the organizing of raffle draws for all the communities present and Ughelli Kingdom VGN, where Erhuwarien Community in Ughelli South LGA and Ekredjebo Community in Ughelli North LGA won security communication gadgets.

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NLC Warns Abure to Step Aside, Urges LP Members to Be on Standby

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By  Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to Julius Abure, following the Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025, which declared the tenure of Mr. Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) as expired and no longer legally recognized.

Despite the court’s clear ruling, Mr. Abure has continued to release statements insisting he remains the chairman of the Labour Party (LP). The NLC has strongly condemned his actions, describing them as “an affront” to the rule of law and the authority of Nigeria’s highest court.

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In a statement signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress accused Abure and his supporters of “crass disdain for decency” and warned that the patience of Nigerian workers and genuine LP members is wearing thin.

“The current affront of Mr. Julius Abure and co-travellers against the law… has convinced those who doubted our earlier position that Mr. Julius Abure and the few miscreants following him have sworn themselves to utter impunity,” the statement read.

The NLC also debunked allegations that it was planning to attack Labour Party offices, calling such claims false and a distraction from the real issue of compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

“We use this medium to put every Nigerian worker, Labour Party member, and patriotic citizen on alert. We will no longer condone the antics of inconsequential characters like Mr. Julius Abure,” Ajaero said.

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He added that the NLC and its allies would not stand by while the rule of law is undermined and urged all genuine members of the Labour Party to prepare to “peacefully repossess all offices of Labour Party nationwide.”

According to the statement, the NLC Political Commission and concerned stakeholders will soon issue directives on how this will be carried out. They also called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police and the DSS, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and support the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The statement also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully comply with the court’s ruling by removing all traces of Mr. Abure and his team from its records.

To resolve the current leadership crisis in the Labour Party, the NLC said the remaining institutional members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are expected to appoint an interim leadership and organize a Special National Convention, as prescribed by the party’s constitution.

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“A word is enough for the wise!” Ajaero added.

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