Ughelli Pastor, Family Brutalized in Assemblies of God Church

By Sam Agogo

Ughelli, Delta State, was thrown into turmoil after a 70‑year‑old pastor of the Assemblies of God Church, his wife, and son were mercilessly assaulted inside the sanctuary. Witnesses recount how youths dressed in Royal Rangers uniforms stormed the church mid‑service, beat the pastor and his family, and released tear gas directly into their faces, leaving worshippers scrambling in fear.

The assault was allegedly fueled by prolonged disputes between the pastor and church council members over his leadership and tenure. Matters escalated when his wife was accused of witchcraft after a powdery substance was discovered in the church vestry. Elders petitioned the headquarters and dispatched the Royal Rangers to forcibly remove the pastor, but what was meant to be a removal turned into a barbaric attack that humiliated a man who had served the church for nearly 40 years.

Outrage has spread across Nigeria, with many condemning the act as disgraceful and inhuman. In a society where elders are respected, beating an elderly man in such a manner has been described as a betrayal of both cultural and Christian values. Critics insist that the youths involved and those who sent them must be arrested immediately to serve as a deterrent.

Adding to the controversy, the pastor’s daughter—often criticized as wayward—spoke publicly on her social media page, revealing that her father had been earning only ₦40,000 to ₦50,000 monthly until a few months ago when it was increased to just above ₦100,000. She claimed she had been the one caring for the family since the age of 15. While her lifestyle has been questioned, her testimony about her father’s poor welfare cannot be ignored. If Jesus were present in this situation, would He condemn her? No—He would seek to restore her soul and understand her struggles.

This revelation has reignited debate about pastoral welfare in Nigeria. If ministers of the gospel who have spent nearly half their lives preaching are treated with such disregard, then it is a tragic reflection of how the church values its servants. The Assemblies of God Church now faces mounting pressure to discipline those responsible, while the police have been urged to act swiftly to restore justice and dignity to a man who has given his life to ministry.

This is not just a leadership dispute—it is a brutal assault that demands justice. The perpetrators must face the full weight of the law, and the church must confront its moral failure.

For comments, reflections, and further conversation: Email: samuelagogo4one@yahoo.com | Phone: +2348055847364