It seems the end to the crisis in the Assemblies of God Church is not yet over as it took a dangerous twist on Sunday morning when troops took over an Effurun, Delta State branch of the church.
Members of the church told The Nation that Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) surrounded the Glory House Parish of the church on Oti Street, off Aka Avenue, Effurun, and asked everyone to leave the church premises.
“We were preparing for service when they (soldiers) came. They were menacing and prevented us from continuing the service. We had no option but to close,” a source said.
But Lt. Colonel Patrick Igwe, Commanding Officer, 13 Battalion, said he was not aware of the incident.
This incident follows a similar invasion of the church by thugs.
Rev. Fred Iyorhiobhe, a senior pastor of the church, confirmed the report.
He said a factional leader of the church has resorted to the act of terrorism with the aid of military and police.
“Last week, some youths came with two pastors to attack the church. They destroyed the signboard.
“We went to A Division Police Station to get protection. Today, we called the commander, who told us that he was not aware and did not give any such order.”
However, it was learnt that if not for the wisdom of some policemen who were called in, there would have been blood-shed right inside the church.
Rev Iyorhiobhe, who is in support of the Bishop Emeka faction, pleaded with security agencies to protect law-abiding worshippers and to avoid taking sides in the conflict.
He frowned at the activities of opposing pastors, saying that, “I wonder why they are doing this when the matter is in court.”
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