Tension gripped worshippers in Ughelli, Delta State, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, after a group of men dressed in security uniforms stormed a branch of the Assemblies of God Church, disrupting a service and allegedly assaulting the presiding pastor and his wife.
The incident, which has since sparked outrage within the Christian community and beyond, was captured in a video that has gone viral on social media. The footage shows a chaotic scene inside the church premises as the uniformed men forcefully confronted congregants, creating confusion and fear among those in attendance.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence indicate that the operatives, whose identities remain unclear, arrived at the church during a service and proceeded to assert control over the environment. It is yet to be confirmed whether the individuals were members of a recognised government security agency or operatives attached to a private organisation.
As tensions escalated, the situation reportedly turned violent, with the church’s pastor and his elderly wife becoming direct targets of the confrontation. According to reports, the men sprayed a substance believed to be teargas into the eyes of the couple, leaving them visibly distressed and struggling to cope with the effects.
Observers described the act as excessive and deeply troubling, particularly given the age of the victims and the sacred setting in which the incident occurred. The use of force within a place of worship has raised serious questions about the justification for the operation and the conduct of those involved.
The emotional intensity of the incident was further underscored by the reaction of the pastor’s daughter, who was present during the altercation. In the widely circulated video, she could be heard repeatedly protesting the treatment meted out to her parents.
“You sprayed tear gas in the eyes of my mother and father, a pastor,” she cried out, her voice filled with anguish and disbelief. Her reaction captured the shock and anger felt by many who witnessed the confrontation, both physically and through the viral footage.
Despite being ordered to leave the premises by the uniformed men, the woman refused to comply, insisting on her right to remain in the church. “I will not leave the church,” she declared, standing her ground even as the confrontation continued.
Her defiance appeared to heighten tensions further, as the operatives maintained their presence within the church compound. The unfolding events left worshippers in a state of confusion, with many struggling to understand the motive behind the invasion and the level of aggression displayed.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official clarification regarding the purpose of the operation or the authority under which the men acted. The lack of immediate information has fueled speculation and concern among members of the public, particularly within religious circles.
The leadership of the Assemblies of God Church has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the incident or providing details on what may have led to the disruption. This silence has added to the uncertainty surrounding the episode, as stakeholders await an official account of events.
Equally unclear is the extent of injuries sustained by the pastor, his wife, and any other individuals affected by the teargas exposure. While the video shows visible distress, there has been no confirmed medical report indicating whether the victims suffered lasting harm.
The incident has reignited conversations about the safety and sanctity of religious spaces in Nigeria, as well as the conduct of security personnel operating in civilian environments. Analysts note that places of worship are traditionally regarded as safe havens, making any form of intrusion—especially one involving force—a matter of serious concern.
This development also comes against the backdrop of earlier tensions within the Assemblies of God Church in other parts of the country. In November 2025, a dispute between two clerics—Okechukwu Obioha and Isaac Nnaji—in Enugu State escalated into a confrontation over the control of a high-value church property located at 35 Nanka Street, New Haven.
That dispute reportedly drew the attention of law enforcement authorities, as questions arose over rightful ownership and administrative control of the multi-million-naira asset. While it is not yet established whether the Ughelli incident is connected to any internal disputes, the recurrence of conflicts involving church properties and leadership has raised broader concerns.
Religious leaders and civil society groups have begun calling for a thorough investigation into the Ughelli incident, urging relevant authorities to identify those responsible and ensure accountability. They have also stressed the need for clear guidelines governing the conduct of security personnel, particularly in sensitive environments such as places of worship.
For many observers, the incident represents more than an isolated disturbance; it highlights the fragile intersection between authority, religious freedom, and civil rights. As Nigerians await further details, there is a growing demand for transparency and reassurance that such घटनाएँ will not become a recurring feature in the country’s religious landscape.
In the meantime, the Ughelli church community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disruption, as members seek clarity, justice, and a return to normalcy in their place of worship.
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