According to eyewitnesses, gunmen dressed in black robes appeared in their town, shooting in the air. They broke into Pastor Galadima’s home and shot him in the back while he was sleeping in his bed.

Police arrived to the murder scene right after the assailants left. Buhari Abdullahi of the Gombe State Police Command released a statement: “Gombe State Commissioner of Police Bello Yahaya visited the hospital where the body of the deceased pastor was taken to and has deployed a special squad of police personnel to the area. We have coordinated a special operation, and we are confident that the culprits would be arrested.”

Members of the congregation are still struggling to come to terms with the shocking news: “Our hearts are heavy, as we are left alone in a complicated world with the killing of our pastor, Rev. Bala Galadima. His courage, advice, teachings and generosity will be highly missed by us his church members. We members of ECWA Church Lubo will really miss him. It’s very hard for us to say goodbye to our general in the Lord, Rev. Bala Galadima.”

Boko Haram also struck in a neighbouring state, killing two Christians, injuring two others, burning down five church buildings and 74 houses. Amos Dauda, member of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, voiced his utter disappointment: “The repeated claims by government officials and security agencies that Boko Haram has been weakened in southern Borno areas are being contradicted by the recent devastating attacks in Bamjir, Shikarkir Njilang and Yimirmugza in Chibok Local Government Area. The aftermath of these attacks has left the people in an unbearable situation. Churches, houses and food stores have been burnt to ashes, leaving many without shelter, food, or a place to worship. The survivors are now facing extreme hardship, struggling to access basic necessities like food.”

Source: https://morningstarnews.org