Church Vandalised as Boy, 2, Dies in Septic Tank

Police Headquarters

A church service which usually closes with the distribution of gifts like biscuits and sweets to the children, ended abruptly on Sunday when a two-year-old boy, Feranmi Oladeji, fell into a septic tank located within the premises of the church and drowned.

The day’s service at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Iyinrere at Ayedun Quarters of Akure, was said to have started like any other previous service with praise worship accompanied by prayers and sharing of testimonies by the worshipers.

It was gathered that though the father of the little Oladeji, Oyinbo, is not a member of the church, he allows his wife, Olayinka, and the child to attend the church programmes, including Sunday services. It was also gathered that the boy’s christening was done at the church.

Tragedy, however, struck on the fateful day when the boy left the church building and went out as usual with his colleagues to play near the building while his mother and others were busy with the church programmes.

The little Oladeji was said to have stepped on a septic tank that was covered with planks which had become weak.

The boy’s mates were said to have rushed into the church auditorium to inform their parents that he had fallen into the septic tank in the church premises.

The incident immediately attracted sympathisers from houses within the area, some of who started abusing the mother and the church leaders for allegedly not taking adequate care of the children that attend the church.

When it was eventually discovered that the boy had died, some youths swooped on the church and destroyed the property including chairs, drum sets and all other items they could lay their hands on.

The pastor and other members of the church were said to have run for dear lives while the police were quickly invited from Okuta-Elerinla Division of the Ondo State Police Command to forestall further violence.