Some youths in the Akure town of Ondo state, set ablaze the Sotitobire Miracle church, after the corpse of a on year old boy, who was declared missing in the church in November, was allegedly exhumed from the church altar.
Recall in November, baby Gold Kolawole was declared missing in the church. He had gone to the church with his mother who dropped him off at the children’s department in the church but when she returned to pick him up after the close of church, he was nowhere to be found. The church workers were also unable to give her an explanation as to his whereabouts.
Alfa Babatunde, the founder of the church was arrested following the incident, and has been in the custody of the DSS.
This morning, the youths acting on rumors that the corpse of the child was allegedly exhumed from the altar, besieged the church and set it on fire.
UPDATE: Missing baby not exhumed from Akure church — Ondo state police command
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public particularly the People of Ondo State that they should disregard the rumours making the rounds that the body of a recently declared missing boy in the state has been exhumed from Sotitobire church in Akure.”
“It is most unfortunate that this misleading information spearheaded by a popular TV station, has ignited a spontaneous reactions from the people leading to wanton destruction of properties and injuries to many.”
“The church building was also set ablaze by irate youths. Some of our officers dispatched to the scene to contain the situation were pelted with stones with many of them sustaining injuries.”
“Their patrol vehicle was also badly damaged. This rejoinder became necessary to disabuse the minds of many Nigerians who might have fallen for this wicked lies and propaganda.”
“The public should also not be hoodwinked by reports that the command has abandoned the investigation of the incident, as the case file is already on the way to the DPP for legal advice. “.
“Notwithstanding this latest incident, more reinforcement has been sent to the scene to contain the situation.”
