Adegbite Monday accounts Boko Haram attacks on his family, church

One Adegbite Omobola Monday, married with four children: two males and two females has delighted in his ordeal in Boko Haram attack in Borno State, Nigeria.

Monday, a founding father of the Celestial Church of Christ in Gwoza, in a statement stated that the church has been in existence for about 26 years, despite the significant challenges as an Christain community in an area predominantly influenced by extremist elements.

According to him, his family, along with other church members, have faced numerous threats and abuse, but persevered and continue to spread the gospel.

On the terrorist attacks, he said, “On July 16, 2024, at about 8:00ppm, Boko Haram terrorists attacked my home and the church where my family and I lived, with guns, explosives and machetes.

“The attack resulted in my home and   church being burnt down beyond recognition. Many were killed and kidnapped. I and my family were threatened with beheading, forcing us to flee for the safety of our lives, including the LGBTQ members.

“The community leaders, Alhaji Usman Dan Baba; community youth leader, Matama Yusuff; Church secretary, Evangelist Ajibola Emmanuel, and Shepherd in charge, Senior Evangelist, Francis Jerry and the entire community witnessed the terrorist attack,”  he said.

He revealed that the case was reported to the Nigeria Police Force in Gwoza, stressing that the Church was not burnt down solely for religious reasons, but for the reason of providing refuge for some LGBTQ members in the Northern part of the country.

“Being LGBTQ members can result in execution in Nigeria.

“Being a prophet, I believe everyone has the right to live their lives. I can’t close my eyes and watch LGBTQ members killed.

“Because many sought safety in my church, I offered them shelter and food, as we are called to love and support one another. Moving them across the States to protect them because the state government and Police fall woefully to protect and save our lives.

“Despite my efforts, I was constantly being followed because they wanted to ensure that they killed both me and my family, including the LGBTQ individuals,” he said.

He lamented that the stress was overwhelming and it is affecting his mental health and ability to function.

“I couldn’t sleep or focus on anything else because we were not safe anymore,” he added.