VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas

A disturbing incident has emerged from Ughelli where men in uniform reportedly stormed an Assemblies of God Church during a service, assaulted the pastor and his wife, and allegedly sprayed tear gas on them.

Eyewitness accounts say the incident occurred while activities were ongoing in the church, throwing worshippers into panic as the armed operatives disrupted proceedings.

According to sources, the men—whose specific agency has not yet been officially confirmed—forcefully entered the church premises and began attacking the pastor and his wife, leaving them injured. Witnesses also claimed that tear gas was discharged at close range, affecting not just the couple but other congregants present.

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The motive behind the invasion remains unclear, though some reports suggest it may be linked to an ongoing dispute or enforcement action. However, authorities have yet to issue a detailed explanation regarding the operation.

The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with residents and religious groups condemning the use of force in a place of worship and calling for a thorough investigation.

As of now, there has been no official statement confirming arrests or disciplinary action against the officers involved, but pressure is mounting on security agencies to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Men in uniform reportedly stormed an Assemblies of God Church during a service, assaulted the pastor and his wife, and allegedly sprayed tear gas on them

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VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas

MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called on the state government, political parties, and public office holders to show greater respect for Chief Imams and ensure proper coordination when engaging religious leaders.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the group said Chief Imams occupy highly revered positions as spiritual leaders and custodians of Islamic teachings, stressing that their roles are central to the moral, spiritual, and social wellbeing of Muslim communities in the state.

MURIC emphasized the need for stronger government–religious harmony in Oyo State, noting that mutual respect between political institutions and faith leaders is essential for peace, unity, and social stability.

The organisation urged political actors to avoid scheduling official programmes during Jumu’ah (Friday congregational prayers), warning that such timing often disrupts the religious obligations of Imams and creates avoidable conflict.

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It also recommended that invitations to Chief Imams should be issued with at least one week’s notice, except in urgent or exceptional cases, and must be formally communicated with due respect.

According to MURIC, religious leaders should not be treated as ceremonial guests but as respected authorities whose presence deserves dignity and honour at public functions.

The group further called for improved event arrangements for Islamic leaders, including proper seating positions that reflect their status. It also advised that Chief Imams should not be seated in areas where alcohol is served, in order to respect their religious beliefs and preserve the sanctity of their office.

MURIC stressed that these measures would strengthen interfaith respect in Oyo State, improve collaboration between government and religious institutions, and promote peaceful coexistence across communities.

The statement was signed by Barr. Lawal Abduwaheed, Chairman of MURIC Oyo State Chapter, and Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary.

MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead and several others injured after an airstrike struck a busy weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno State and Yobe State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has raised serious concerns over civilian safety during ongoing military operations targeting insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East region.

Jilli Market, situated between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, is a major commercial hub that attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.

According to multiple local sources, the airstrike was carried out during a military operation aimed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents who were believed to have visited the market to collect levies and source supplies from traders.

However, the strike reportedly missed its intended targets and instead hit areas crowded with civilians actively engaged in market activities.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:46 p.m., when several fighter jets were seen hovering over the area before explosions were heard. One witness claimed that at least four jets were involved in the operation, though visibility of all aircraft was unclear.

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“I counted 56 bodies myself and assisted in rescuing injured victims. The number could be higher because more bodies are still being recovered,” a local source said, adding that panic broke out as traders and buyers attempted to flee during the bombardment.

Medical sources confirmed that at least 14 injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment, while others were reportedly moved to nearby health facilities. Some of the injured were later referred to a teaching hospital in Damaturu due to the severity of their conditions.

Local officials have given varying casualty figures as rescue efforts continue. A ward councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed that dozens were killed, noting that some of those initially hospitalised later died, pushing the death toll higher.

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), also confirmed the incident but clarified that the affected community falls under Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack has sparked fear and outrage among residents, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike and measures to prevent civilian casualties during military operations.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official statement regarding the airstrike or the reported civilian casualties.

Security experts say the incident highlights the ongoing challenge of distinguishing between insurgents and civilians in conflict zones, particularly in areas where armed groups are known to blend into local populations.

Authorities are expected to provide further clarification as investigations continue and more details emerge about the operation and its outcome.

BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market