Pastor’s Life Cut Short While Mediating Couple’s Dispute
From Our Correspondent
Bishop Shina Olaribigbe, the founder of Rapture Empowerment International in Osogbo, Osun State, was tragically stabbed to death while attempting to mediate a domestic dispute between an estranged couple.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday and has sent shockwaves through the BCGA area of Osogbo, where the bishop’s church is located. Sources revealed that the wife involved in the dispute had served as an interpreter at the church, and the couple had a history of frequent altercations that led them to live apart, although they were not officially divorced.
Bishop Olaribigbe, known for his dedication to resolving conflicts within his congregation, reportedly visited the wife, who had been unwell for some time. However, the situation took a tragic turn when her estranged husband arrived at the residence unexpectedly.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that upon discovering the bishop in the house, the husband became enraged, suspecting an inappropriate relationship between Olaribigbe and his wife. A heated argument ensued, during which the husband allegedly stabbed the clergyman multiple times in the chest. The bishop was pronounced dead at the scene.
A source close to the church, who wished to remain anonymous, commented, “The bishop always intervened in their disputes. This time, he was checking on the wife due to her health concerns. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, and he was killed in cold blood.”
Following the incident, both the husband and wife were apprehended by officers from the Dugbe Police Division in Osogbo and are currently in custody.
Confirming the developments, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, stated that preliminary investigations suggest the husband acted out of suspicion regarding an affair between the pastor and his wife.
“The couple was living apart but not legally separated. Bishop Olaribigbe had been mediating their issues for some time. On this occasion, he was at the wife’s house when the husband arrived.
In a fit of anger, the husband attacked the bishop, stabbing him to death. Both the husband and wife are now in custody, and the investigation is ongoing,” Opalola said.
The remains of Bishop Olaribigbe have been taken to the morgue of the University of Osun Teaching Hospital in Osogbo.
The tragic death of the clergyman has left members of his church and the Osogbo community in mourning, with many describing him as a man of peace who dedicated his life to serving others
