Youths Attack Church Over Alleged Rape, Destroy Property Worth Millions

By Admin

Angry youths on Friday attacked the Throne of Grace Healing and Deliverance Ministries in Gboko, Benue State, destroying property valued at over ₦10 million.

The unrest followed allegations that a married woman who visited the church for prayers was raped by an unidentified person.

Eyewitnesses said the mob stormed the church along Gboko–Aliade Road at about 11 a.m., wielding dangerous weapons and vandalising chairs, drums, a keyboard, a public address system, windows, and parts of the roof.

Prophet Prince Matthew Iorhembe, head of the church, told reporters that he had alerted police during the attack, but the youths dispersed before security operatives arrived.

“They destroyed everything and left before police came. Three persons have since been arrested,” he said.

He added that Gboko Local Government Chairman, Barr. Torseer Yina, and former lawmaker Hon. John Dyegh, had shown interest in the matter, with discussions ongoing.

Prophet Iorhembe urged his members to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, stressing that no one had informed him of his “offence” to warrant such an assault on his church.

Police in Gboko confirmed that suspects are already in custody as investigations continue.