Some hoodlums and gunmen suspected to be assassins stormed God’s Vineyard of Grace Dominion Assembly located at 101, Upper Lawani Street, New Benin, Benin City, shot a pastor and killed his wife.
The assistant pastor also sustained bullet injuries on his head during the attack which occurred at about 7:36 pm, Monday August 14, 2023.
Police identified the pastor as Rev. Dr Samuel Chinyereugo, and his wife, Mrs. Peace Chinyereugo.
It was gathered that the gunmen trailed the minister who drove in company of his wife to the church where they unleashed terror on them as they pulled up in front of the church.
Some members of the church including, the assistant pastor, were outside the church having prepared ahead of a programme scheduled to commence Wednesday August 16, 2023 when the pastor and his wife stopped by.
The minister of God said to have earlier observed a car trailing him inside GRA, where he had visited his friend, was shocked to see the vehicle suddenly pull over behind him right in front his church.
It was learnt that one of the three armed men who alighted from the car in a commando manner, accosted the pastor, snatched the cross pendant on his necklace as the two other assailants opened fire from the rear.
It was also gathered that during the attack, the Pastor’s wife was seriously hit by bullets as she died in a hospital few hours after, while her husband and his assistant, were resuscitated and discharged.
When newsmen visited the scene, blood stains were visible as relics of smashed windscreen littered front of the church.
Though the church was locked, sympathisers most of whom are members of the church, thronged the premises.
Attempts to obtain contact of the pastor from members of the church failed.
Confirming the attack, the police public relations officer, Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said operatives of the command had commenced full-scale investigation to unmask and prosecute the perpetrators.
