The Ondo State Police Command has made an official statement on the suspected mass kidnapping reported at a Church in Ondo West local government area of the state at the weekend.
Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami in the press release made available to newsmen on Saturday evening, disclosed that 77 victims were rescued from the Church premises.
“Following Intelligence Report gathered by the Police at Fagun Division, Ondo Town, that some children are being harboured at The Whole Bible Believers Church AKA ONDO CHURCH, Valentino area, Ondo Town.
“Policemen were sent to the Church to invite the Pastor and the members of the Church on sighting the Police attacked them.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one Pastor Josiah Peter Asumosa, an Assistant Pastor in the Church was the one who told the members that Rapture will take place in April but later said it has been changed to September, 2022 and told the young members to obey only their parents in the Lord.
“Another family who was also around during the rescue said their daughter a part 3 student, dropped out of school due to the strange teachings of the Pastor and left home in January, 2022 to start living in the Church.
“In all, Seventy seven (77) members – Twenty Six (26) children, Eight (8) teenagers and Forty Three (43) adult members were rescued from the Church.
“The two (2) Pastors are in Police custody.
“Investigation has commenced and the outcome will be made known to the members of the Public,” the statement read.
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