On Saturday, a group of armed men invaded God’s Doing Healing and Deliverance Ministry in Orodo, located in the Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State. The attack resulted in the death of Samuel Ogbonna, a youth leader at the church.
Ogbonna was also the owner of Feel at Home, a local restaurant and bar, and served as a close aide to the church’s general overseer, Evang. Maduabuchi Ernest, who is widely known as “Dibia Ekpere” or Father MEMC.
An anonymous source reported that around 4 PM, approximately eight gunmen arrived at the church in two vehicles—a red Highlander and a black Lexus—during an ongoing service.
The assailants demanded to see the general overseer but became furious when they learned he had not yet arrived. They then ordered the congregation to lie face down on the floor.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like this before,” the source shared. “When the gunmen couldn’t find the pastor, they forced us all to the ground and confiscated our personal belongings—phones, bags, and cash—before speeding away.
As they drove out of the church compound, we heard multiple gunshots followed by a loud shout. It was later revealed to be Elder Ogbonna, who had left to run errands but was trying to return when he encountered the gunmen. In a panic, he fled into nearby bushes, but they chased him down and shot him multiple times. After traveling a short distance, they released two members they had previously abducted.
Before leaving the scene, they kidnapped two individuals: a man and a nursing mother. Thankfully, they later dropped them off along the Owerri-Orlu expressway. They also stole the church owner’s car,” the source added.
According to him, this incident has created an atmosphere of fear in the area, with many residents worried for their safety; some have even fled Orodo. In response to the violence, the church has since been closed.
