The leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has commiserated with the Government and people of Ekiti State over recent attacks that led to the killing of two monarchs and abduction of some school pupils in the state.
A delegation from the church, led by the Pastor-in-charge of RCCG Region 25, Tunde Abdullahi, delivered the condolence message during a visit to the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
Other members of the delegation included the pastors in charge of region 22 and region 39, Pastors Jimi Ajibade and Pastor Joseph Olagbadegun as well as Pastor Tunde Adelusi.
In the condolence letter signed by the Continental Overseer, RCCG Continent 3, Pastor Funso Odesola, the Church condemned the gruesome killing of the two traditional rulers and the abduction of some school pupils (now freed) and restated their commitment to supporting the state with prayers.
“We stand united in condemning such acts of violence and advocating for justice to prevail. The tragic loss of these monarchs underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and concerted efforts to foster peace and stability within our communities.
“Be rest assured of our continued prayers for your state and the country at large” the letter stated.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji who hailed the church for the visit, expressed his profound gratitude to the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for his demonstrated love and concern for the people of the state, following the sad incidents.
The Governor said he was further encouraged by Pastor Adeboye’s prayers for the state and the visit of the Church delegation.
Stressing the need to arrest the ugly trend of insecurity in the country, Governor Oyebanji urged religious leaders to unite in prayer for Nigeria to overcome her security challenges and work towards a safer and more harmonious future.
The Governor called on people of faith to discourage any form of criminality and continue to pray for the peace, unity and safety of the state and the country at large.
He assured them that government would continue to do its best to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
While highlighting government efforts in enhancing security of the state, Oyebanji charged the people to remain vigilant and report every suspicious activities in their community promptly. He urged church leaders to encourage their congregations to notify relevant authorities whenever they notice a suspicious movement or activities.
“Let me express the gratitude and appreciation of Ekiti State government and citizens to Pastor Adeboye and leadership of RCCG for standing with us at this very tough moment, I am extremely grateful to him.
“And I’m appealing to our fathers of faith to please tell our people to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their neighborhood. They should just expose it because most of these criminals live around us,” the governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, the pastor in-charge of Ekiti State, Pastor Tunde Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye said the purpose of their visit was to sympathise with the government over the killing of two traditional rulers and the abduction of the school children and their teachers.
Pastor Abdulahi said the incident did not mean that God had forsaken the people but that God had a purpose for everything.
While commending the Governor for his good governance, the Pastor charged the Governor to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of the challenging situation.
Also at the meeting were the Head of Service, Engr Sunday Komolafe, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, Special Adviser, OTSD, Dr Ekundayo John, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode and Director General Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso
