Unknown gunmen suspected to be assassins shot dead a popular pastor last night in Rivers State.
The General Overseer of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, ThankGod Abam, was killed at his residence in the Origwe area of Rupokwu community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
A member of the Church said the pastor left for home last night after an evening service at the Church. He said they were informed later in the night that he had been shot after some boys standing outside the gate asked the security man to call him out.
“After the Church service yesterday, they went home. One of his boys later called to say our pastor has been shot. It was when we came here this morning that we heard the full story.”
“We were told that the security men informed him on phone that some people were looking for him. So, he came out and asked them who they were. They told him that they were members of the local vigilante in the area.”
He narrated: “When he asked them of their leader the boys told him that he was not feeling fine. So, he asked the security men at the gate to open the gate. He stepped out to follow them to see their supposedly ailing boss. They shot him and (scattered) ran away.”
A white Toyota Hilux vehicle with bullet holes in the front and back windows was seen parked at the front of his residence in a secluded area of Origwe in Rupokwu.
Church members, family and close associates have been trooping into the late pastor’s compound to commiserate with the family.
Pastor Abandoned had scheduled the dedication of his last child for Sunday, August 5, before he was killed.
Meanwhile, a youth leader in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo, has called on the Police to increase their surveillance in the area.
Ihunwo, who is the president of Obio-Akpor Youth Council said there have been an increase in robbery, car c snatching and other criminal vices in Rupokwu community in recent times.
The Rivers State Police Command is yet to comment on the matter.
