Masquerades invade church, flog pastors, church members

FOUR masquerades, on Sunday, invaded Christ Apostolic Church in Epinmi Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, disrupted the service and flogged officiating pastors and some members of the church.
The masquerades, who were earlier prevented from entering the church by the workers, forced their way in and headed towards the officiating pastor, beating him and other pastors.
The invasion disrupted the service, as members of the church, who were caught unawares, left their bibles and other belongings and ran out of the church.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the masquerades acted as if they had a score to settle with the officiating pastors, Jacob Ogunmola and Kehinde Ilori, as they flogged them repeatedly, chasing them around the church until they could not run again.
The source explained that the two pastors were injured and later rushed to a nearby hospital, adding that the reasons behind the action of the masquerades remained unknown.
One of the masquerades, Tunde Arohunmolase, was, however, apprehended by the people and had been handed over to the police, while other masquerades fled the scene after the incident.

“The police responded promptly and one of them was overpowered by the congregation. His mask was uncovered and most of the people in the church and around the community identified him to be one of the boys from the community,” the source said.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident, adding that one Tunde Arohunmolase was arrested and currently in the police custody.
He disclosed that the two pastors had been treated and discharged from the hospital, while assuring that the fleeing masquerades would soon be arrested.