Joy Anyim
A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Lagos is currently battling for survival, following his narrow escape from an assassination attempt.
The cleric, identified as Oluwole Akinkunmi of No. 24, Mosadolorun Street, Sari-Igamu, was shot by suspected cultists in the area.
He was shot from behind about 7am on January 9, 2019, but miraculously survived, as the bullet hit his left buttock.
It was learnt that two days before his attack, there had been a clash between rival cult groups known as Mosalashi Boys and Oke-Oja Boys in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos.
Akinkunmi, who spoke with The Nigerian Xpress, said the cultists, who shot him for a yet to be identified reason, had also attacked him with a machete.
While being attacked, the father of two said he was shouting for help and pleading with his captors before he passed out. “I guess it was my shout for help that neighbours heard and came to my rescue,” he said.
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Narrating how it all happened, the recuperating 36-year-old cleric said: “On that day, I had come out of my apartment to use the toilet, which is outside the house where I reside. After using the toilet, I was walking back into the house when a gunshot hit my buttocks. I lost control of myself fell down and started shouting for help. “While on the ground, some boys rushed to me and started cutting me with a cutlass, saying you will die today. I pleaded for mercy but they did not leave me until neighbours rushed out and they fled.
“I fainted and woke up on the hospital bed two days after. I had been rushed to the Ago Medical Centre where the doctor removed 32 pellets from my buttocks. I am just lucky to be alive. But I am still scared because those who are after my life are still out there, walking freely.”
Asked if he could identify those who attacked him or had a clue why they are after his life,Akinkunmi said: “ I am not a cultist and will never be. I don’t go about looking for trouble. I am hardly at home because if I am not at work, I’ll be at the church. People around who even came to my rescue said it was because they know me as a peace loving man of God. I cannot even recognise any of them if I see them. I just wonder why they are after my life. “
A resident, who lamented the insecurity in the area, faulted the police for not being proactive in dealing with the menace of cultist in the area.
The elderly man, who did not want his name mentioned, said the community had taken step, to beef up security.
“We have engaged the services of men of the O’dua Peoples Congress (OPC) to provide security because we have not been sleeping with our eyes closed. These boys, who are causing chaos, are still threatening to attack.
“We even reported the matter to the Amukoko Police Division. They came, took pictures but no arrest has been made. We are calling on the government at this time to help us beef up security both at night and during the day. These boys rape young girls and women passing through the bridge at night. Once you are passing through the road anytime from 7pm, there is a possibility of being robbed and your valuables and money collected. These boys are evil,” he said.
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The correspondent also visited the Amukoko Police Division to find out if any arrest had been made.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the police were not investigating the matter.
He said: “There was a clash there some days back and the police was fully in charge of the situation and some arrests were even made. We even placed patrol vehicles at specific areas to ensure there was security of lives and property in the area. However, the said family did not report this matter to the police. They only came here five days after the incident, saying their son’s company had requested a police report for his gunshot wound.
When I heard the story, I was shocked and queried why they did not report immediately. I even wanted them detained and the doctor who treated a bullet wound without informing the police is also culpable. As far as we are concerned at Amukoko Police Division, no matter of such was reported and we cannot investigate it or make arrest, concerning a matter that was not reported.”
