Policemen from zone six of Nigeria Police Force have arrested a 44-year-old man, Ogban Emmanuel, for allegedly leading some youths in Adim town in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State to set ablaze a church.
Christ Divine Liberation International Ministry is founded by one Rev. Victor Okon, who reportedly petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police of Zone 6 Command.
The youths were said to have accused the church of preaching against their traditional practices as well as holding crusade activities in their community when their festival was ongoing.
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The prime suspect, Emmanuel, told journalists that the incident happened in October 2023.
On interrogation, the prime suspect confessed that “the Petitioner’s Church was preaching against their tradition and holding crusades during Community festivals and should be set ablaze and demolished.”
In a statement signed by SP Nelson Okpabi, the spokesperson for Zone 6 Command, the suspect reportedly confessed that he personally led the youths to the church.
“They stole offering money and money kept in the Pastor’s house before setting the church and bungalow ablaze.
“Effort is in top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he added.
