Benue: Hoodlums attack church in Gboko, destroy property worth over N10m

Unidentified hoodlums have attacked and vandalized the Throne of Grace Healing and Deliverance Ministries in Mbatiav, along the Gboko–Aliade Road in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

The assailants reportedly destroyed chairs, a keyboard, drums, a public address system, unused tiles, windows, and the church roofdamage estimated at more than N10 million.

Prophet Matthew Iorhembe, head of the church, said the incident occurred a few days ago, describing it as shocking and unimaginable. “The youths stormed the church with dangerous weapons around 11 a.m. and carried out the attack unchallenged,” he stated.

According to him, though he alerted the police, the attackers had fled before officers arrived. “Men of Gboko Central Police Station have already arrested three suspects. I wonder why anyone would attack a church without explanation,” he added.

Iorhembe said he had informed Gboko LGA Chairman Torseer Yina and a former House of Representatives member for Gboko/Tarka about the incident. He urged church members to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the matter.

Confirming the attack, DSP Peter Orchia, Second-in-Command at the Police Public Relations Unit of the Benue State Command, said the ‘A’ Division in Gboko has commenced investigations.