Tragic Loss: Dunamis Church Pastor Dies in Accident While Fleeing Bandits
A pastor from Dunamis Church, Abraham Francis Aduh Ojo, has tragically passed away after being involved in a fatal accident while reportedly attempting to flee from bandits. The incident occurred as he was returning from a wedding ceremony in Makurdi, Benue State, casting a shadow of grief over his family, community, and the wider Nigerian Christian community.
Details of the Incident
According to a statement released by his nephew, Abuh Richard Enemona, on Facebook, the pastor encountered bandits during their operation on Thursday, February 12. In an effort to escape, he was involved in an accident that resulted in his immediate death. Initially, it was reported that he was returning from a crusade, but further investigations confirmed he was actually traveling back from a wedding in Makurdi.
A fellow pastor from the church provided additional details, explaining that the pastor was traveling from Dekina in Kogi State to Adoka in Benue State for the wedding. Upon approaching Adoka, they were warned about bandits operating ahead, prompting their vehicle to turn back and take an alternative route. During this detour, a tire burst, causing the pastor to suffer a shock that paralyzed one side of his body. He was rushed to a hospital in Adoka and later transferred to Makurdi Teaching Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries by 9 PM on Thursday.
Community Mourning and Reactions
The news of the pastor's death has sparked an outpouring of sorrow and condolences on social media. Friends, family, and members of the public expressed their grief and offered prayers for the repose of his soul. Comments highlighted the deep impact of his loss, with many describing him as a dedicated servant of God and extending sympathies to his loved ones.
Enemona's Facebook post read: "My Uncle was coming from Makurdi yesterday after a crusade and he ran into bandits operations and was trying to escape but had an accident and died immediately. Until his death, he's a pastor serving in Dunamis church, since morning my family and entire community was thrown into heavy tears here. Rest well uncle Pastor Abraham Francis Aduh Ojo."
Broader Context of Insecurity
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by banditry. It serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by citizens, including religious leaders, while traveling. The tragedy has drawn attention to the need for enhanced safety measures and support for communities grappling with such threats.
In a related context, other reports have highlighted similar incidents involving pastors, such as a church collapse in Benue State and a road accident involving a prominent pastor in the north, further emphasizing the vulnerabilities within the religious community.
