Two Killed, Many Injured As Gunmen Attack Pastor Jimah’s Crusade Again

Tragedy struck in Auchi Town in Edo State as unknown gunmen suspected to be Islamists attacked a crusade hosted by a popular pastor, Israel Jimah.

The incident which happened at the Jattu area of Edo State saw at least two people dead and many injured.

It was learnt that Auchi Town where the pastor hailed from is predominantly occupied by Muslims, many of whom considered other religions a taboo and Muslims converting to Christianity to be an offence punishable by death penalty.

It was gathered that the weapon-carrying Islamists targeted Pastor Jimah during the attack.

According to eyewitnesses, a similar incident had occurred in 2001 and 1980 to the pastor.

One of them, who prefers anonymity, narrated that the Islamists were hellbent on killing the pastor before leaving the crusade ground.

The eyewitness said, “They are doing everything to kill him for reviving us and converting others. This is unfair and dangerous. Everyone cannot worship the same God.”

Narrating how the incident happened, another worshipper said the Islamists struck when the congregants chorused “Hallelujah”.

“Only God knows where they came from. As soon as the pastor shouted, ‘Praise the Lord’ and we responded, ‘Hallelujah’, we suddenly heard ‘Allahu Akbar’. Many of us were confused, thinking they were Muslims who came to be converted but used to their regular Islamic slogan.

“Our doubt suddenly became clearer when they surfaced with knives and other weapons aggressively asking, “Where is Pastor Jimah?”. We all scampered to safety with some of us were seriously injured.”

A pastor in the church confirmed the incident, saying that many people were rushed to the hospital after the incident.

The pastor, who refused to give details, also clarified Pastor Jimah was narrowly killed but rescued by the “Holy Ghost”.

When probed further for his name and other details, the pastor answered, “no response”.

“This is the third time this is happening to Pastor Jimah! It happened in 1980 and in 2001,” a member of the church was seen complaining bitterly when our correspondent visited the church.

Recall that in 1980, Pastor Jimah was reportedly violently attacked on his way back home from a church activity by some fundamentalist armed with knives, machetes, and other dangerous weapons.

They were reported to be shouting “Allahu Akbar, you traitor, we will kill you”.

Also in 2001, some fundamentalists attacked a crusade attended by the pastor and injured several people in an attempt to kill him.

On his part, one pastor Igbadumhe lamented why a pastor seeking to reform the society has consistently been attacked.

“I visited Pastr Jimah in the hospital after the attack. He was severely injured on his neck and on his head. I couldn’t hold back my tears! I can’t comprehend what exactly his offences are. He is under serious medical care and attention,” he said in an emotional-laden voice as he walked into the church premises.

When our correspondent visited the venue of the crusade where the attack happened, some fierce-looking security personnel had stationed at strategic locations to prevent reprisal.