Hoodlums attack church, flog Pastor, members

HOODLUMS, weekend, invaded a church in Akure, Ondo State, during service and reportedly flogged the presiding Pastor and members of the church.

Meanwhile, the police in the state have arrested some of the hoodlums but they were later rescued by a mob, during which a policeman was stabbed with broken bottle on the neck.

Also, property of the church were destroyed by the hoodlums, who arrived the church on a motorcycle.

Property said to have been destroyed include plastic chairs, wall clock, window glasses and electrical appliances.

They reportedly inflicted injuries on the Pastor and members who were at the service.

Vanguard gathered that the hoodlums arrived the CAC, Pillar of Fire located around LA Primary School, Akure and dealt with the Pastor known as Pastor Arije.

Police sources said they were still investigating the incident, but Vanguard learned that a rival Pastor of one of the churches within the area might have sponsored the attack.

The hoodlums reportedly carted away the offerings for the day.

It was gathered that by the time the Policemen arrived the scene, the hoodlums had wreaked havoc on the church, but were chased to Odopetu in Oke Aro, where some of them were apprehended.

However, the hoodlums reportedly regrouped and rescued their colleague from the custody of the police. It was during their rescue mission that a policeman was reportedly stabbed by the hoodlums.

Contacted, the police spokesperson, Mr Wole Ogodo confirmed the incident, saying the Pastor reported the incident at the Divisional Police Station, Akure.