By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Shocking act of violence unfolds during church service as accusations of infidelity lead to fatal confrontation

Story Highlights
Francis Opiyo fatally stabbed during a sermon by a fellow elder accusing him of having an affair with his wife
Suspect flees after the stabbing, later surrenders to local authorities
Police urge peaceful resolution of conflicts
Worshippers at Ebenezer SDA Church in Homa Bay in Kenya were left in shock on Saturday when a church elder was fatally stabbed by a fellow elder during a sermon, in what appears to be a deadly love triangle.

Francis Opiyo, 35, had just wrapped up a mini-sermon and was handing over the service to his colleague when the unthinkable happened.

As Francis passed the floor, his fellow elder, who had concealed a knife in his Bible, suddenly attacked, stabbing Francis in the chest. He collapsed instantly.

According to Francis’ brother, Joseph Opiyo, the victim was unaware of the hidden weapon or the deadly intentions of his colleague.

The attacker, fueled by accusations of an affair between his wife and Francis, fled the scene shortly after the attack, only to later surrender to the Assistant Chief.

The tragic incident has stirred outrage in the community, with an angry mob burning down the assailant’s home in protest. Local police have since detained the suspect at Magunga Police Station as investigations continue.

Suba South Sub-county Police Commander, Caxton Ndunda, condemned the violence, urging the public to seek peaceful conflict resolution through proper channels such as clan elders or church leadership, rather than resorting to murder.

Francis’ body has been taken to St. Camillus Hospital Mortuary in Sori Town, Migori County.

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspects, and recovered approximately 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.

Additionally, the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, demobilised six boats and intercepted nine vandalised pipelines during a week-long operation spanning Rivers and three other states in the region.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these developments in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.

Danjuma said, “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, while consolidating operational gains, have dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, demobilised six boats, intercepted nine vandalised pipelines, and confiscated over 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the joint operations area.”

He said the operations, conducted between January 27 and February 2, 2025, saw significant success, particularly in Rivers State, where troops intercepted two fully loaded suction trucks carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude each along the Igwurita-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, troops uncovered a large storage facility in a scrap yard along the same road, seizing over 10,000 litres of stolen products stored in multiple tanks.

“Further clearance operations around the Imo River led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fibre boats, along with the confiscation of over 4,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Troops also recovered a locally fabricated double-barrel gun, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves.

“Similarly, operations around Mgbede Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area resulted in the deactivation of four illegal refining sites and the destruction of 86 locally made ovens.

“Additionally, troops discovered a dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.

“At Ndoni Waterside in ONELGA, troops intercepted over 102 sacks containing approximately 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit. Another 35 sacks filled with 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated at Agah, while two oil thieves were apprehended in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their residence.”

Danjuma added that in Delta State, troops intercepted an abandoned wooden boat containing over 3,160 litres of stolen crude oil within the Ashaka Okpai community water channel, leading to the River Niger in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

Similarly, eight sacks of unquantified condensates were seized along the Oando pipeline near Tuomo village in Bomadi.

“In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested in the Sagbama Local Government Area with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops continued their surveillance of creeks, rivulets, and waterways to prevent criminal activities.

“The suspects have been positively identified and handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agencies,” Danjuma said.

Commending the troops for their successes, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, urged them to sustain their operational tempo to create a conducive environment for legitimate exploration activities.

He also emphasised the importance of professionalism and discipline in executing their duties.

Suspected kidnappers have abducted a staff member of a well-known Ibadan-based agro-industrial firm, demanding a N100 million ransom for his release.

The abduction occurred on Friday when four employees were returning from the company’s farm in Onigaari village along the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road.

The assailants, who had laid an ambush, opened fire on their Hilux vehicle.

Three workers sustained gunshot injuries, while the uninjured staff member was taken hostage and moved to an unknown location.

The injured victims are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Challenge, Ibadan.

Onigaari has become a hotspot for kidnappings, with frequent attacks on commuters and business operators.

Police spokesperson CSP Adewale Osifeso confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured updates as they become available.