The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a pastor for allegedly flogging minors inside a church building in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This follows after a video recently went viral across social media, showing a pastor viciously whipping several children.
The arrest was confirmed in a press statement issued by the police and made available to reporters on Wednesday.
The Rivers State Police Command said that it acted swiftly upon receiving the information of the video that showed minors being dehumanised in a church setting.
Operatives from the State’s Police Command, through coordinated intelligence, reportedly arrested the presiding pastor, 41-year-old Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph said to be connected with the incident and several church members at the scene.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said, “Preliminary investigations reveal that Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organized a 3-day program for children in his Church, purportedly for ‘spiritual cleaning,’ claiming to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
“A thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further updates will be made public as more information becomes available.
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju psc mnips, urges the public to remain calm and peaceful while the investigation is ongoing.
“He urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies.
“He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations such as minors,” Iringe-Koko stated.
According to SaharaReporters, many of the children were stripped naked within the premises of a church in the Eneka area of Port Harcourt.
It was gathered that some of the victims appeared to be toddlers, screaming in pain as they endured the assault.
Also, a large basin containing a red liquid resembling blood was reportedly visible in the background, further amplifying the horror of the scene.
