A grandmother and Church leader, Nelly Akomah was reportedly found fatally injured in her home in Croydon, South London at 10.40am on Wednesday.
According to neighbours, the pensioner, in her 70s, had her CCTV security systems cut before the death as police investigate an attempted burglary motive.
Dame Susan Solanke, Lay president of Ms Akomah’s Nigeria Methodist Mission UK, said in a statement her death was a “big blow” to the mission.
Paying tribute, she added: “Sister Nelly, only last week we were all at a weekend retreat, full of life.“You were such a valuable member of the mission who will be sorely missed. My heart is broken with this cruel, mindless and senseless attack. I pray God brings the culprits to book as soon as possible.”
Ayodeji Okegbile, a fellow member of Nigeria Methodist Mission UK, paid tribute to the pensioner asking followers to keep the police investigation in their prayers.
He said: “Nigeria Methodist Mission UK and Ireland are very sorry to announce the loss of our long-standing leader and beloved mother, Mrs Nelly Akomah who passed away yesterday after an overnight attack in her residence in London.
“She will always be dearly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with her loving children, grandchildren, family, Tooting Methodist Church, Nigerian Fellowship, and close friends.”
He added: “Please remember the police in your prayers as they continue their investigation.”
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and would like to speak with anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Ladbrook Road.
DCI Kate Blackburn said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation but I am urging anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.
“An elderly woman has lost her life and it is vitally important that we establish what happened.
“Did you hear anything, or see someone in the area who looked out of place? Please call us.”
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 2540/21Jun.
