NYCN Opens Probe into Alleged Attack on Pastor, Wife During Church Service in Delta

NYCN Opens Probe into Alleged Attack on Pastor, Wife During Church Service in Delta

The National Youth Council of Nigeria has begun an investigation into the reported assault of a pastor and his wife during a church service in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday at a branch of the Assemblies of God Church, has sparked outrage following claims that uniformed individuals linked to the church’s internal security group attacked the couple.

An official of the council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the NYCN leadership had ordered a discreet inquiry into the matter, including the role of the Royal Rangers, a youth affiliate within its network.

“As one of our affiliate organisations, we cannot allow their actions to bring disgrace to the council,” the official said, noting that further comments would be withheld until the probe is concluded.

The council described the incident as disturbing and said it would take appropriate action based on its findings.

The pastor at the centre of the controversy, Anthony Akasa, and his wife, Grace, were said to have been involved in a long-running dispute with some members of the church over his continued leadership of the branch.

Tension reportedly grew in recent weeks, with some members pushing for his transfer. Matters worsened after Mrs Akasa was accused of witchcraft following the discovery of a powdery substance in the church vestry.

She later addressed the congregation, praying and denying the allegation. The situation took a different turn when the church cleaner reportedly explained that the substance belonged to a chorister and had been left in the vestry, where a child later played with it.

Following that clarification, the pastor was said to have called a meeting with church elders to present the new development, especially as a petition had already been sent to the church’s headquarters.

Church authorities subsequently scheduled a meeting for both sides on Sunday. However, witnesses said the situation escalated after the service when members of the Royal Rangers, described as the church’s security unit, allegedly attacked the pastor and his wife. Some accounts also claimed that tear gas was used.

Pastor Akasa, who has spent close to four decades in ministry and is nearing retirement, now finds himself at the centre of a deep divide within the congregation.

While some members insist he should be allowed to complete his tenure in view of his years of service, others maintain that he should step aside.

As the investigation gets underway, observers have called for a thorough and open process, as well as calm among members of the church.