“LAST WEEK’S SHOCKER: How ‘Ordinary Powder’ Triggered Witchcraft Accusation and Brutal Attack in Ughelli Church”
By Passman Akpos
A disturbing incident has rocked an Assemblies of God Church in Ughelli, where a pastor and his entire family were allegedly beaten and humiliated by members of their own congregation over claims tied to what was later revealed to be ordinary body powder.
Recall, last week a video obtained by Tarakirivoice on social media where Assemblies of God Church Royal Rangers brutalised a pastor, his wife and Children.
According to eyewitness accounts, the crisis began midweek when church elders and deacons summoned the pastor’s wife to an emergency meeting. What appeared at first to be a routine inquiry quickly spiraled into a shocking confrontation.
She was accused of practicing witchcraft after powder was reportedly discovered scattered inside her husband’s office. Despite her confusion and emotional denial, one elder allegedly pointed at her and declared, “You are a witch. We have always suspected you.”
In an attempt to prove her innocence, the pastor’s wife reportedly took the powder to the altar, declaring she would leave the matter in God’s hands. However, later developments revealed a far more ordinary explanation.
A woman known to frequently assist the pastor’s wife in the office admitted the powder belonged to her, explaining that her children may have accidentally spilled it while playing. What should have resolved the issue instead deepened the crisis.
Sources say when the explanation was relayed to church leadership, it was dismissed outright. One elder allegedly insisted there would be no reconsideration, maintaining the accusation regardless of the evidence.
Tensions reached a breaking point during Sunday service.
Eyewitnesses report that church leaders took control of proceedings, preventing the pastor from preaching and publicly sidelining his wife from a program she was scheduled to lead. The situation escalated when the family was allegedly ordered to vacate the church immediately.
Moments later, the situation turned violent.
A group identified as members of the church’s security arm, commonly known as the Royal Rangers, reportedly arrived from another district. Instead of restoring order, chaos erupted.
The pastor was allegedly assaulted. His wife was attacked and left struggling to breathe. Even their children were not spared, as substances believed to be pepper spray were reportedly used on them.
Particularly concerning was the condition of the pastor’s son, Precious, who began behaving erratically following the incident, raising questions about the nature of the substance used during the attack.
Witnesses described a heartbreaking scene: the pastor sitting on the floor in tears, his clothes torn; his wife gasping for air; and their daughter crying out desperately for help.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene on motorcycles, leaving behind a traumatized family and a stunned congregation.
The incident has sparked outrage and debate within the local community, with many questioning how a misunderstanding over something as trivial as powder could escalate into violence inside a place of worship.
Observers say the episode highlights a deeper issue—how fear, suspicion, and unchecked accusations can override reason, even in religious settings meant to promote peace and unity.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from church authorities or law enforcement regarding the incident.
The shocking event serves as a grim reminder that sometimes, the most dangerous conflicts arise not from facts—but from what people choose to believe.
