IJEBU ODE, Ogun State — Shock and fear have gripped residents of the Oke Eri area of Ijebu Ode following the tragic killing of a cleric, Prophet Aliyu Samson, under circumstances police say may be linked to a dispute involving internet fraud.
The late Samson, identified as a prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, was reportedly attacked and killed on Thursday night, March 19, 2026, at his newly completed residence. The assailants, whose identities remain unknown, are believed to have carried out the attack at the property before fleeing the scene Amebo Newspaper NG learnt.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement authorities suggest that the killing may be connected to a disagreement over items associated with internet fraud, commonly referred to in local parlance as “Yahoo ripping.” While details remain sketchy, the development has intensified concerns about the growing overlap between criminal activities and unsuspecting members of the community.
Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer of the Attan Division, CSP Gbadamosi, stated that a full-scale investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and to bring those responsible to justice. He emphasized that the police are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
“We are actively investigating this case and pursuing all leads. We urge members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder our efforts or create unnecessary panic,” he said.
Residents in Oke Eri described the late cleric as a peaceful and easygoing individual whose death came as a rude shock. Neighbours recounted that the area had largely been considered quiet, making the incident even more unsettling.
“This is something we never expected here,” said one resident who preferred not to be named. “He was known to be gentle and kept to himself. People are now afraid.”
The killing has reignited discussions around security in Ogun State, particularly in semi-urban communities where law enforcement presence is often limited. It also raises troubling questions about the extent to which criminal networks, especially those linked to cyber fraud, may be infiltrating different layers of society.
Community leaders have called for increased vigilance and stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies. Some have also urged religious organizations to exercise caution and awareness in their engagements, given the evolving nature of criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the police have appealed to anyone with useful information to come forward, assuring that such cooperation will be treated with confidentiality.
As investigations continue, the death of Prophet Aliyu Samson stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by criminal disputes and the urgent need for sustained efforts to ensure safety and security across communities.
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