Army Invasion of AG Church

Army Invasion of AG Church

Last Sunday 14^th of February, 2016 was not a very sweet day for worshipers at the Assemblies of God Church, Glory Branch Warri Delta State in Nigeria. The men in uniform from the Nigerian Army 3rd battalion, Effrurun, allegedly invaded the church at No. 15 Itii Street off Aka Avenue, Effurun while service was going on. As was reported in the Nigerian newspapers, the soldiers were invited by a splinter group leader of the same church. Worshipers in the church were reportedly threaten to stop their service and close the church or face the heavy hands of the armed men. This threatening and frightening visitation of the military made worshippers to scatter in different directions some escaping through the windows.

Rev. Ogwuche Blessing Bamaiyi, the district secretary of Assemblies of God Warri, confirmed the incidence, while addressing newsmen in Warri, he reaffirmed that there has been power tussle at the headquarters of the church between Rev. Professor Paul Emeka, the general superintendent, and his deputy Rev. Dr. Chidi Okoroafor since 6th March, 2014 and this crisis has refused to die down despite all efforts.

In the statement Rev. Ogwuche and other of his members who attended the press conference blamed a factional pastor of the church Rev. Friday Onoriode Amirah of frequently using thugs and military men to attack and harass worshipers in their branch in order to compel them to support Rev. Chidi Okoroafor’s faction.

The church as reported by the Churchday in one region recently pledged their allegiance to Rev Chidi Okoroafor as their leader.