Less than a week before the ninth “Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service” at the Celestial Church of Christ, Testimony Parish in Elerumoke, Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, suspected thieves broke into the church and stole two large cows valued at nearly ₦2 million.
The incident occurred last Saturday night after the shepherd-in-charge and other church leaders had retired for the day. The stolen cows, intended for the Thanksgiving celebration, were tethered within the church premises but were untied by the perpetrators.
Confirming the theft, a church leader, Oluso Ayo, said:
“The incident truly happened. The thieves untied the cows and left visible footprints, but we cannot trace their destination. While similar incidents have occurred in the neighborhood, this is the first time our church has been targeted.”
A church member, speaking anonymously, expressed dismay:
“If a church is no longer safe, where else is? Stealing such large animals from a place of worship shows how dire things have become in this country.”
The church took to its social media platform, X, to appeal for help:
“Hallelujah! Two Missing Cows: Dear Celestials and the general public, two large cows intended for our upcoming Thanksgiving Service on November 17, 2024, have been stolen from the church premises. Kindly pray for their recovery and provide any useful information to the Parish Shepherd, Prophet Rotimi Agunbiade Temitope.”
Prophet Temitope, the Shepherd-in-Charge, confirmed the theft during a phone interview, lamenting that the cows, purchased through member contributions, were critical to the celebration.
“The theft has devastated us. The cows cost ₦1,980,000. Their size made it unimaginable that someone could steal them. Unfortunately, the incomplete perimeter fence provided an opening for this crime. However, we have resumed work on the fence to prevent future incidents.”
Despite the setback, the church went ahead with its 2024 Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service.
The theft underscores the growing insecurity and economic challenges affecting the country, even within places of worship.
