Hoodlums Attack Church, Cart Away Day's Offerings

Hoodlums on Friday invaded the Christ Apostolic Church, Pillar of
Fire, located at LA primary school area of Akure, the Ondo state
capital, during service, destroying properties and carting away the
day's offering.

It was gathered that the attackers, armed with whips and other
dangerous weapons, subjected the worshippers and presiding pastor,
Pastor Arije, to severe flogging.

The reasons for the attack was not immediately known. Sources feared
that a rival Pastor of one of the churches within the area may have
sponsored the attack.

Eyewitnesses reported that the hoodlums stormed the premises of the
church on motor bikes and destroyed plastic chairs, wall Clock, glass
windows and electrical appliances found in the church.

The assailants also inflicted varying degrees of injuries on members
as they tried to escape the attack.

It was gathered that although policemen came to the rescue, they were
also attacked, and those arrested were freed as a result.

Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the
incident, said one of the policemen was stabbed by a broken bottle by
the assailants after they were chased to Odopetu in Oke Aro.

Mr. Ogodo said details of the incident was still sketchy since the
ugly incident happened, adding that the Command was still
investigating the reasons for the attack.
--PUNCH