Pastor attacked, herdsmen overrun church in Ajah, kills pastor's brother

"The chaos erupted without warning," recounted one church member, still visibly shaken. "These men whom we've seen grazing their cattle on our land for months suddenly rushed toward the pastor with weapons. Before anyone could process what was happening, they had overpowered him."

As the herdsmen began attacking the pastor, his brother Joseph Nzekwe reportedly threw himself into the fray to protect the clergyman. In the ensuing struggle, Joseph was stabbed multiple times in the stomach.

"While Joseph lay bleeding, other congregants formed a human barricade around the injured pastor and managed to escort him through a back exit to safety," another witness added. "By then, the attackers had fled, leaving behind a scene of terror and a dying man."

Joseph was rushed to a nearby hospital where sources say he gave up the ghost before he could get medical help.

The attack did not occur in a vacuum. Church members revealed that Salvation for All Ministry had been experiencing growing tensions with herdsmen who repeatedly brought their cattle to graze on church land, despite repeated objections.

Read Also: Driver ‘beats up’ neighbour in Oshodi

"We have been facing this menace for a long time," said one church elder who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. "We've reported to the police several times, but they cannot help us. These herders have become increasingly aggressive, and we've felt abandoned by those meant to protect us."

Pastor Nzekwe, speaking from his hospital bed, confirmed the longstanding dispute. "We have long suffered from these encroachments. We reached out to authorities who promised to help, but nothing has been done to protect our right to worship peacefully on our own property."

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Ajah community, with many churchgoers expressing fear about what might happen next.

"We are trembling," admitted one longtime member. "If they can attack us during service and kill someone, what stops them from returning? Where is our security?"

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Chike Oti confirmed the incident but stated he was yet to receive a full briefing. "I can confirm that an incident occurred at the church premises, but I'm yet to get complete details from the divisional officer," CSP Oti told The Nation. "We will investigate thoroughly and provide updates as soon as possible." As of press time, The Nation had not received additional information from police authorities.

Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention from state authorities to prevent further escalation of what appears to be a growing pattern of land-related conflicts between religious institutions and nomadic herders across Lagos State. "This is not just about one church or one family," noted a local community leader. "It's about the fundamental right to safety and security. If places of worship cannot be protected, then nowhere is safe."