Uniformed Men Storm Church, Attack Pastor with Tear Gas in Delta
Worshippers at an Assemblies of God Church in Ughelli, Delta State, were thrown into a state of profound panic and chaos on Sunday when a group of men dressed in uniform allegedly stormed the church during a regular service. The men clashed violently with the presiding pastor and his wife, leading to a disruptive confrontation that has since circulated widely on social media platform X, drawing significant outrage from residents and raising serious questions about the circumstances and identities of those involved.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds Inside Church Auditorium
In a video that has gone viral, chaos erupted inside the church auditorium as the uniformed men struggled aggressively with the pastor and his wife. Frightened congregants looked on in horror as the situation escalated into a free-for-all, completely disrupting the sacred service and causing widespread alarm. Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation worsened dramatically when one of the men reportedly discharged tear gas directly inside the church building.
The pastor and his wife were severely affected by the chemical irritant, with the woman collapsing on the spot, which triggered further panic among the worshippers. A female worshipper, heard screaming in the video, shouted that the men were "spraying tear gas on the pastor and his wife" before fleeing the scene in terror. As of the time of filing this report, the precise cause of the altercation remains unclear, and the identity and official affiliation of the men have not been officially established by authorities.
Police Deny Involvement, Cite Lack of Formal Complaint
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, stated emphatically that the individuals seen in the video were not police officers but rather church workers. He added that the command had not received any formal complaint from the church administration, making it difficult to determine what exactly led to the violent confrontation. This lack of official reporting has complicated efforts to ascertain the facts surrounding the alarming event.
Regarding how the men obtained tear gas, Edafe noted that such items are increasingly accessible and can be purchased in open markets without significant restrictions. This revelation has raised additional concerns about public safety and the ease with which potentially dangerous substances can be acquired by unauthorized individuals.
Outrage and Calls for Investigation Intensify
The incident has continued to generate intense debate and widespread condemnation across social media and within the local community. Many are calling for a thorough investigation to establish the full facts and ensure accountability for those responsible. Concerns have also been prominently raised about the alarming ease of access to tear gas and its potential misuse in public spaces, including places of worship.
Church authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered. Tension remains high in the Ughelli community as residents await further developments and clarity on this disturbing event. The lack of an official complaint has hindered police action, but public pressure is mounting for a resolution to prevent future occurrences.
