Less than a week to the ninth “Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service” of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Testimony Parish, Elerumoke, Egbeda, suspected thieves desecrated the church premises, making away with two large cows valued at nearly N2 million.
The theft occurred last Saturday, shortly after the shepherd-in-charge and other church leaders retired for the night. The cows, purchased with contributions from church members, were intended for the celebration scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024.
A church leader, identified as Oluso Ayo, confirmed the incident, stating, “Suspected thieves invaded our church premises and untied the two cows meant for the harvest celebration. We saw their footprints along with the cows’, but we have no idea where they took the animals. Such thefts have reportedly occurred in the neighborhood, but this is the first time it has happened to us.”
Church members expressed shock and dismay at the theft. One member, speaking anonymously, said, “If this can happen in a church, where else is safe in this country? I’ve never heard of thieves stealing cows from a church before.”
The church also took to its X (formerly Twitter) account to appeal for public assistance. The post read:
“Hallelujah. Two Missing Cows: Dear Celestials and the general public, these two huge cows were stolen where they were tied in the church premises at CCC, Testimony Parish, Elerumoke area, Egbeda, Iyana Ajia, Ibadan, Oyo State. They were meant to be slaughtered for the ninth Adult Harvest Thanksgiving of the church coming up this Sunday, 17th November, 2024. We hereby solicit your prayers for the quick recovery of these harvest thanksgiving cows. Anybody with useful information should contact the Parish Shepherd, Prophet Rotimi Agunbiade Temitope.”
Church Shepherd Speaks on Incident
In a phone interview with Saturday Tribune, the Shepherd-in-Charge, Prophet Rotimi Agunbiade Temitope, who was out of town during the incident, described the theft as devastating.
“The incident happened a few days before the harvest celebration. The cows were purchased with members’ contributions and cost us a total of one million, nine hundred and eighty thousand naira. Sadly, their efforts were undermined by the activities of the men of the underworld,” he said.
Temitope explained that the church’s incomplete perimeter fence made the theft possible. “The thieves took advantage of the yet-to-be-completed fence. Work has already commenced on completing it to prevent a recurrence. Although this has happened in the area before, it is our first experience of such theft,” he added.
Despite the setback, the 2024 Adult Harvest Thanksgiving proceeded as planned.
Church members have called for prayers and assistance to ensure the recovery of the stolen cows and prevent future incidents.
