Hoodlums set Ondo church on fire

From Tosin Tope, Akure

Suspected arsonists have set ablaze a white garment church identified as Motailatu Church of God, Oke-Idahun parish, in Akure, Ondo state capital, destroying properties worth millions of naira. 

The Church, which is under the umbrella body of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) is located along Imafon road, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The Resident Minister of the church, Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, while addressing newsmen on Sunday, said the footprints of the arsonists were detected when he got to the church premises at the weekend.

He disclosed that what first caught his attention was the damaged lectern placed on the altar and some broken bottles that littered the church auditorium.

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The clergyman explained that many plastic chairs belonging to the church and offering trays were set ablaze within the church chancel.

Mr Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, popularly known as Aremolekun by his members added that the church Hymn books and other items kept in a room in the church were not spared.

“It was the malicious damage brought upon the House of Prayer,” he said.

He explained that the Prayer Room of the church was also torched by the attackers, noting that the window nets were cut off.

“But they could not gain access to the room because of the burglary proof. Sadly, they succeeded in damaging the tithe box.”

He, however, disclosed that the matter had been reported at the Oda Divisional Police Headquarters, Akure.

Daily Trust reporter who visited the church on Sunday reported that the auditorium was untidy as remnants of burnt plastic materials and broken bottles cluttered the place.

Some residents of the area who spoke wondered why any sane mind would perpetrate such evil against the house of God.

Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo confirmed the incident, adding that detectives have started their investigation on the arson case.