Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A 64-year-old cleric of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Castle of Mercy Parish, Waru District, Abuja, Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi, has reportedly died after he was allegedly attacked and severely beaten by unidentified hoodlums who invaded the church premises during a service.
The tragic incident reportedly happened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while members of the church had gathered for a mercy service which began around 9am.
According to an account shared by Celestial Reality Check (CRC-MEDIA), the assailants allegedly went straight to the apartment of the Shepherd-in-Charge within the church premises and dragged him outside by force.
Gbeminiyi, a retired soldier, reportedly resisted the attackers, leading to a struggle that lasted several minutes. The assailants eventually overpowered him and allegedly subjected him to severe beating, leaving him critically injured.
The cleric was said to have cried out for help during the attack, but help reportedly did not arrive before the attackers escaped from the area. Neighbours and other individuals later rushed him to a hospital, where he was reportedly pronounced dead a few hours after the incident.
The matter was subsequently reported to the FCT Police Command, which has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death and is working to identify those behind the attack.
The church’s assistant shepherd was also reportedly invited by the police for questioning and detained as investigations continue.
Gbeminiyi’s remains were later laid to rest at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, on Thursday, while members of the church gathered at the parish for a service of songs in his honour.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving members of the church and residents of the area seeking answers as the police continue their investigation.
