Metro

Slain ECWA Pastor Laid to Rest Amid Tears, Tributes

Published

1 month ago

Feb 12, 2025.

Reverend Bala Galadima laid to rest in Lano amid emotional tributes and calls for justice.
Gombe Deputy Governor urges calm, warns against speculation, and assures a thorough investigation.
Christian leaders console the community, urging faith and trust in God’s plan.

The body of Reverend Bala Galadima, an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) pastor who was tragically killed by unknown gunmen in Lubo District, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown, Lano.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the funeral service at ECWA Church Lano was marked by deep sorrow as community members gathered to pay their final respects. Emotional tributes poured in, reflecting the impact of the late clergyman’s life and service.

Leading the government delegation was Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, who conveyed the condolences of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the people of the state. He extended sympathies to the bereaved family, the Christian community, and the entire Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

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Jatau urged the community to accept the loss as an act of God, calling for calm and patience while investigations continue. He cautioned against speculation and premature conclusions, emphasizing that no evidence currently links the crime to any particular group, tribe, or religion.

He recalled past incidents where assumptions about perpetrators were later proven wrong, stressing the need for restraint.

Jatau assured the community that security agencies had been directed to ensure those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.

“I appeal to you as leaders to be patient and avoid drawing conclusions until the culprits are arrested. We have seen cases where initial suspicions were misplaced, only for the real perpetrators to be uncovered later,” he stated.

Christian leaders, including the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Father Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, ECWA Chairman North-East One, Reverend Isa Uba, and Gombe DCC Chairman, Rev. Dr. Adamu Dauda, also expressed condolences. They urged the Christian community to remain steadfast in faith, viewing the tragedy as part of the challenges faced by believers.