By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
What began as a seemingly trivial incident inside a church office in Ughelli, Delta State, spiraled into a shocking episode of accusation, humiliation, and violence involving members of the Assemblies of God Church.
At the center of the incident is Reverend Anthony Akasa, the presiding pastor, whose family became victims of the unrest.
According to accounts from those familiar with the situation, the crisis started midweek when church elders and deacons convened an unusual meeting. The pastor’s wife was summoned to appear before them. Upon arrival, she immediately sensed tension—there were no greetings, no pleasantries, only stern faces fixed on her.
She was then confronted with a troubling allegation: powder had been discovered scattered in her husband’s office. The elders claimed it was not ordinary but had spiritual implications. In a dramatic turn, one elder reportedly pointed at her and accused her of being a witch—an accusation that left her shocked and in tears.
In response, the pastor’s wife reportedly picked up the powder, walked to the altar, and declared she would commit the matter to God in prayer rather than engage in arguments.
Later that day, a possible explanation emerged. Reverend Anthony Akasa reportedly suggested the powder might belong to someone who frequented the office. This led to a call to a woman known to assist the pastor’s wife. She admitted the powder was hers, explaining that it was likely spilled accidentally by her children while playing.
Despite this clarification, efforts to resolve the issue peacefully failed. When the pastor’s wife relayed the explanation to one of the elders, his response was reportedly dismissive, insisting there would be no further discussion and maintaining the accusation.
Tensions escalated by Sunday. During the church service, the situation took a dramatic turn as elders and deacons allegedly took control of proceedings, preventing Reverend Anthony Akasa from preaching and publicly sidelining his wife from a program she was scheduled to lead.
The confrontation intensified when the pastor’s wife demanded answers, only to be told to pack up and leave the church.
What followed was even more alarming. Reports indicate that members of a church-affiliated security group, identified as Royal Rangers from another district, had been invited. Instead of restoring order, their presence coincided with the outbreak of violence.
Reverend Anthony Akasa, his wife, and their children were reportedly assaulted inside the church premises. Witnesses claim pepper spray was used, leaving members of the family in distress. One of the pastor’s sons was said to have reacted severely, raising concerns about the substance used during the attack.
In the aftermath, the scene was described as chaotic and distressing—the pastor injured and in tears, his wife struggling to recover, and their children crying for help.
The attackers reportedly left shortly afterward, departing on motorcycles and leaving behind a shaken congregation and a deeply affected family.
While the incident began with something as minor as spilled powder, it has drawn attention to broader issues—how quickly suspicion can escalate, how accusations can override evidence, and how conflicts within religious institutions can spiral into violence when not properly managed.
As of now, questions remain over accountability and the steps that will be taken to address the incident.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that even in places meant for peace and worship, unresolved tensions and unchecked allegations can lead to serious consequences.
