Rita Enemuru, Reporting
UGHELLI – A deep crisis has erupted at the Assemblies of God Church, Otovwodo branch, in Ughelli, after uniformed members of the church’s paramilitary wing, the Royal Rangers, allegedly stormed the premises and assaulted the presiding pastor, his wife, and their son.
The clergyman, the Reverend Anthony Akasa, his wife Grace, and their child were reportedly teargassed by the Rangers, a security arm of the denomination, following a dispute over the pastor’s impending transfer.
According to sources close to the church, the trouble began when the church leadership sought to transfer Rev. Akasa, who has served the church for nearly four decades and has only four years left before retirement.
Tensions escalated when a container of face powder found in the pastor’s office led to accusations of witchcraft against his wife.
A cleaner later clarified that the powder belonged to a chorister and had been picked up by her baby, who was playing with it.
Despite this clarification, the church elders had already petitioned the denominational headquarters.
A meeting was scheduled for last Sunday to allow both parties to present their cases.
However, shortly after the service, the Royal Rangers allegedly launched an attack.
“Instead of allowing the leadership to listen to the pastor, the Rangers attacked him, his wife, and his children,” a source disclosed. “They used teargas on them.”
An executive member of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), speaking on condition of anonymity, strongly condemned the incident.
“From what I have gathered, the pastor is having a running battle with the council of elders. They are not happy with his stay in this branch,” the source said.
“They should allow the man to work and retire. He is close to retirement, given the years he has put into the ministry. It is unfortunate this happened, and videos are now being shared online.”
The NYCN official further revealed that the state chairman had ordered a discreet investigation into the Royal Rangers’ conduct, noting that the Rangers are affiliated with the NYCN.
“We cannot allow their actions to disgrace us,” the source added. “I will get back to you after the investigation.”
In a separate development, it was gathered that the church has suffered a series of attacks in recent times, with musical instruments reportedly vandalised and stolen.
As of press time, the Assemblies of God Church leadership had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
