• We will apprehend killers –FG

From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja

REMAINS of slain female evan­gelist, Mrs Eunice Olawale who was hacked to death on July 9, at Gbazango-West area of Kubwa in the Bwari Area Council of the Fed­eral Capital Territory (FCT) were laid to rest yesterday in Abuja amid tributes.

The brown coffin containing her remains was lowered into the grave at about 3.45 pm at the Gudu cem­etery, Apo. Olawale was killed in the early hours of Saturday, July 9 while preaching by yet-to-be identified as­  sailants.

Earlier at the burial service held at the New Life Parish of the Re­deemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Kubwa, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal as­sured that the government would ensure that the killers of the late preacher were apprehended and tried in court.

Lawal who described, Olawale as a martyr of Christ, further stat­ed that the Federal Government would live up to its responsibility by fully protecting the constitu­tionally guaranteed rights of Nige­rians including freedom of asso­ciation, speech and religion. “Our father in the Lord, Baba (Enoch) Adeboye has forgiven the people who did this. But as government, we are committed to bringing all wicked men, all evil men, all the people who break the law to jus­tice,” he said.

Also speaking at the funeral ser­vice, wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari condoled with Elisha, the widower of the late preacher, even as she prayed for God’s guid­ance over her seven children.

Mrs. Buhari condemned the mur­der of the late preacher, saying it is a crime that should be denounced by all. The president’s wife was repre­sented at the service by deputy-gov­ernor of Plateau State, Mrs. Paullen Tallen. “The wife of the President condemns this dastardly act that has ravaged every heart that has heard of God,” Tallen said.

In a sermon entitled: “Let me die the death of the righteous,” Em­manuel Ibitayo, the Zonal Pastor,

Abuja and representative of the Gen­eral Overseer of RCCG, Pastor. Enoch Adeboye, said the late Olawale’s life is worthy of emulation for those who consider themselves, true Christians.

He reiterated Pastor Adeboye’s prayers that Olawale’s killers repent and even take up the same role she played as a preacher of the gospel.

He also prayed for the family of the deceased, assuring her children that “the God of your mother will not abandon you.”