Tension escalated in Edjeba community, Warri, Delta State, on Sunday following an alleged violent attack by a group of traditional masqueraders and accompanying youths on a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), leaving at least six worshippers injured and raising fresh concerns about safety in the area.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 10 a.m. on April 19, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the church’s Sunday service at its Edjeba Shell Gate parish. What began as a routine dispersal of congregants quickly turned into a scene of chaos and violence, according to eyewitness accounts.
Sources within the community said the presiding pastor, identified as Barrister Albert, had just concluded the service and was preparing to leave the church premises with members of his family when a procession of masqueraders, accompanied by several youths, approached the area.
In what witnesses described as an attempt to avoid confrontation, the pastor reportedly paused within the church compound to allow the group pass before exiting onto the road. However, the situation soon deteriorated when one of the masqueraders allegedly began acting inappropriately toward female members of the church who were still within the premises.
A witness recounted that the masquerader allegedly attempted to touch or harass some of the women, prompting concern among congregants. “The pastor tried to intervene when he saw what was happening,” the witness said. “He stepped in to stop the masquerader from touching the girls, but that was when everything changed.”
According to multiple accounts, the intervention appeared to provoke members of the masquerade group and the youths accompanying them. The situation reportedly escalated rapidly, with the group turning on the pastor in what witnesses described as a coordinated assault.
As the attack unfolded, some church members reportedly rushed to defend the pastor, but this intervention is said to have triggered a broader confrontation. The masqueraders and their supporters allegedly descended on the congregation, leading to a violent clash within and around the church premises.
During the altercation, at least six worshippers sustained injuries of varying severity. Community sources indicated that three of the victims were critically injured and required urgent medical attention. They were subsequently taken to a hospital, although the identity and location of the facility were not disclosed at the time of reporting.
In addition to the physical injuries inflicted on worshippers, parts of the church property were reportedly vandalised during the attack. Eyewitnesses described scenes of destruction, with items within the church compound damaged amid the chaos.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and religious leaders in Warri, many of whom have called for swift intervention by the Delta State Government and security agencies. There have been growing demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.
Stakeholders in the community have also called on the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security presence in the area, particularly around places of worship, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Residents expressed concern that the attack may not be an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of unrest in the Edjeba community. According to local accounts, there have been several reports of violence in recent weeks, some of which have been linked to activities involving masquerade groups and youth gangs.
Community members pointed to a recent allegation by a female resident who accused individuals associated with a masquerade group of assault, raising questions about law enforcement response and community safety.
In another related incident reported just last week, a young man identified as Rollas was allegedly attacked and injured in the same area. The attack was said to have followed a clash involving suspected cultists or individuals linked to masquerade activities, further deepening fears among residents.
Observers note that while masquerade traditions hold cultural significance in many communities across southern Nigeria, concerns have been raised about the conduct of some groups and the potential for abuse, particularly when such activities intersect with public spaces and civilian populations.
Religious leaders in Warri have urged for dialogue and mutual respect between cultural groups and religious institutions, emphasising the need to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental rights, including freedom of worship.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Government regarding the incident. However, pressure continues to mount on authorities to respond decisively, not only by addressing the immediate attack but also by tackling the underlying tensions contributing to recurring violence in the community.
For many residents of Edjeba, Sunday’s events have left a lingering sense of fear and uncertainty. With injured victims receiving treatment and investigations expected to commence, attention now turns to whether decisive action will be taken to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of order in the area.
