Tension erupted on Sunday morning in Afiesere Community, Ughelli, Delta State, as youths reportedly stormed and demolished a church following allegations that its pastor was involved in an affair with a married woman.
The incident occurred during a Sunday service at Prayer Answer Deliverance Ministry, also known as Testimony Center, founded by Pastor Friday Utti Omemero. According to eyewitness accounts, angry youths from the community forced their way into the church premises while worship was ongoing and pulled down parts of the building.
Sources in the community alleged that the action was triggered by the recent death of a married woman, who was said to have confessed before her passing that she had been in an inappropriate relationship with the pastor. The woman reportedly made the confession during a church vigil shortly before Christmas.
News of her death spread quickly within the community, sparking outrage among youths who accused the pastor of moral misconduct and blamed the church leadership for the development.
Residents said the youths mobilised early Sunday morning after learning that church members had gathered for service. Attempts by some worshippers to prevent the demolition reportedly failed, as the aggrieved youths insisted on pulling down the structure.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the police or community authorities, and it was unclear if any arrests had been made. Efforts to reach the church leadership for comments were unsuccessful.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident as calm has since returned to the area.
