Less than a week before the ninth “Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service” of the Celestial Church of Christ, Testimony Parish, Elerumoke, Egbeda, Iyana Ajia, thieves vandalized the house of worship and stole two large cows intended for the celebration, valued at approximately N2 million.
The theft occurred last Saturday, after the shepherd-in-charge and other prominent church leaders had gone to sleep.
Members of the various committees established by the church were shocked to learn of the crime.
Oluso Ayo, a church leader, confirmed the incident to Saturday Tribune on Thursday.
He stated, “The incident is true. Suspected thieves invaded our church grounds and made off with two cows meant for the harvest celebration. The cows were tied up but the thieves managed to untie them.
“We found their footprints, but we cannot determine where they took the animals.
“We’ve heard of similar incidents happening in the neighborhood before, but this is the first time it has happened at our church.”
One church member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern: “If this can happen in a church, where else is safe in this country?
“I’ve never heard of thieves stealing cows from a church, regardless of their size. This incident further confirms that things have gone terribly wrong in this country.”
The church had previously posted on its X account: “Hallelujah. Two Missing Cows: Dear Celestials and the general public, two huge cows were stolen from where they were tied at CCC, Testimony Parish, Elerumoke area, Egbeda, Iyana Ajia, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“They were meant to be slaughtered for our ninth Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 17th November 2024.
“We humbly request your prayers for the swift recovery of these cows. Anyone with useful information should contact the Parish Shepherd, Prophet Rotimi Agunbiade Temitope.”
The Shepherd-in-Charge, Temitope, who was out of town during our correspondent’s visit, confirmed the incident via telephone.
“The theft occurred just days before the church’s adult harvest scheduled for Sunday, 17th November 2024.
“The cows were purchased with contributions from our members. Unfortunately, the thieves undermined our plans for a bountiful harvest.
“These cows were so large that it was hard to believe they could simply be stolen. The total cost was one million, nine hundred and eighty thousand naira.
“The thieves exploited the unfinished perimeter fence surrounding the church.
“However, work has already begun to complete the fence and prevent future incidents.
“We learned that this kind of crime is not new to the neighborhood, but it’s the first time it has happened to our church.
“Despite the devastating blow this incident dealt us, we went ahead with the 2024 Adult Harvest.”
