By Charles Igbo
The Rivers State Police Command has responded to the outrage which greeted the dehumanisation of 20 minors by Pastor.
Nigerians had woken up on Tuesday to the heartbreaking video on Social Media Platforms of 20 children being tortured inside the premises of a Church by the so called Pastor, Ifediora Onyeibor, Joseph, and a couple of his insane adherents. They rose in anger and outrage and called for the arrest of the Pastor. They, also, wondered why no security agency was aware of such atrocity until it was made public on social media by a concerned and heartbroken citizen.
On arrest by the Police on Wednesday, August 13, he said he was performing spiritual cleansing on the children as directed by the much abused Holy Spirit. The spiritual cleansing, he said, would last for three days.
Following is the full text of the Police Release which announced the arrests and the rescue of the children. It was signed by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.
“Arrest of Pastor and Rescue of Victims in Connection with Minors’ Dehumanization
“The Rivers State Police Command has taken swift action in response to a distressing online video, circulating on social media, depicting the dehumanization of minors within a Church setting, where the presiding Pastor, Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, ‘m’ aged 41, has been arrested in connection with the incident .
“Preliminary investigations reveal that Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organized a 3-day program for children in his Church, purportedly for “spiritual cleaning,” claiming to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Upon receiving this information, Operatives from the Rivers State Police Command through coordinated intelligence, arrested the Pastor and several Church members at the scene.
“A thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further updates will be made public as more information becomes available.
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju psc mnips, urges the public to remain calm and peaceful while the investigation is ongoing. He urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations such as minors. The Command will continue to work tirelessly to address any issues that may compromise the security and dignity of individuals within our State.”
While the outcome of investigations is being awaited, not a few people are calling for the arrest of the parents and guardians of the tortured children.
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