A church service in Shikal village, located in the Lantang South local government area of Plateau State, was marred by the invasion of masquerades who unleashed chaos, assaulting the pastor and worshipers while vandalizing church property. The incident occurred on a Sunday, leaving the church members shocked and distraught. Efforts are underway by village elders to investigate the matter and restore peace. As of now, official responses from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the local police command are yet to be obtained.
The Disruption
During the church service in Shikal village, masquerades suddenly stormed the premises, interrupting the worship session and instilling fear among the congregation. Witnesses reported that the masquerades proceeded to physically assault the pastor and attendees while inflicting damage upon church property.
Eyewitness Testimonies:
Nanpon, a source familiar with the incident, disclosed that the masquerades arrived at the church while the service was in progress. They launched unprovoked attacks, flogging the unsuspecting worshipers and causing mayhem by vandalizing church belongings. The shocking and unexpected assault left the congregation in a state of awe and disbelief.
According to another witness, the church members remained composed and refrained from retaliating. Instead, they focused on salvaging whatever was left of their property and minimizing further destruction. The priority was to restore a sense of normalcy and assess the damage caused.
Efforts to Restore Peace:
In response to the distressing incident, village elders are actively engaged in investigating the matter to ascertain the root cause of the disruption and identify those responsible. Their aim is to bring about a resolution that will restore peace and prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. The local community is rallying together to support the affected church and its members during this challenging time.
Awaiting Official Responses:
As of the time of writing, official statements from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) representatives in the Lantang South local government area have not been obtained. Additionally, the state police command has not yet confirmed the incident. It is expected that both authorities will provide their perspectives and initiate appropriate actions to address the situation.
The invasion of masquerades during a church service in Shikal village, Plateau State, resulting in the assault of the pastor, worshipers, and the destruction of church property, is a concerning incident. It underscores the need for community leaders, religious organizations, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in fostering a peaceful coexistence and preventing such disruptions. Investigations into the matter will hopefully shed light on the motives behind the attack, enabling appropriate measures to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The affected church and its members deserve support and reassurance as they work towards healing and rebuilding.
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