Pastor Allegedly Kills Wife, And Took His Own Life.

A pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ, identified as Bidemi Odukoya, has allegedly killed his wife during a domestic dispute in Akiode-Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, before reportedly dying after being struck by a moving truck.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday, August 31, throwing residents of the community into shock.

Odukoya, who was reportedly the shepherd of Iri Orun Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ and a father of three boys, allegedly attacked his wife with a machete and a wooden stool during the dispute.

The community’s Baale, Chief Taiwo Akiode, said residents alerted the police after the woman was discovered lying in a pool of blood at the couple’s residence.

The pastor reportedly fled the area afterwards and headed towards Coker Junction along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

Community sources said Odukoya was later seen repeatedly crossing the expressway before sitting on the median. He reportedly moved into the path of an approaching truck and was fatally struck.

The couple were subsequently buried beside their residence on Monday evening.

The community’s youth leader, Seun Adelana, said allegations of infidelity involving both parties were believed to have contributed to the marital crisis.

However, a neighbour, Oluwatoyin Oseni, said the couple had allegedly experienced a history of domestic violence and frequent quarrels, adding that the police had previously intervened in their disputes.

Oseni said the couple’s 14-year-old son, Daniel, raised the alarm after waking up and discovering that his father had attacked his mother.

According to her, neighbours rushed to the residence and found the woman dead, while Odukoya was reportedly still holding a cutlass and making statements suggesting that he intended to end his own life.

Another community leader, Chief Oluwasegun Adeboye, said residents only became aware of the extent of the couple’s marital problems after the tragedy.

He further alleged that the couple had been involved in a court case over their marital differences and were expected to return to court shortly before the incident.

Reacting to the development, the Ogun State Police Command said it had commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Opeyemi Oluborode, said the case file was being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for diligent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Baale, meanwhile, urged couples experiencing marital difficulties to seek counselling and explore peaceful ways of resolving their differences before disagreements escalate into violence.