Rivers Pastor Arrested for Allegedly Brutalizing 25 Children During Deliverance Ceremony

The pastor of a new generation church in Eneka community, Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, has been arrested for allegedly subjecting over 25 children to physical abuse during a deliverance programme. The incident, which has sparked widespread concern, reportedly occurred during a three-day spiritual cleansing event. According to a viral video, the pastor, identified as Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, was seen stripping and flogging the children, most of whom were aged between five and 10 years, without clothing. The video shows the pastor using palm leaves to strike the children on their heads and bodies while they cried in pain.

The children, described as “weeping” in the video, were reportedly brought to the church compound as part of the cleansing process. The pastor allegedly stripped them before subjecting them to the flogging, which lasted approximately one minute per child. Some of the children were seen with palm leaves on their hands and heads, while a few were adorned in white garments. The video also captures the pastor grabbing each child by the hand and throwing them into the air, where they were caught by members of his congregation.

A parent who arrived at the church compound after hearing her child’s cries was reportedly rebuked and chased away by the pastor for attempting to intervene. The police, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the church compound and arrested the pastor, along with several members of his congregation. Approximately 20 children were rescued during the operation. The state police command confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the pastor claimed he was led by the Holy Spirit to carry out the deliverance.

The police statement, titled “Arrest of Pastor and Rescue of Victims in Connection with Minors’ Dehumanisation,” emphasized the seriousness of the allegations. The incident has raised questions about the practices of some religious leaders and the need for accountability within the church community. The treatment of minors in such contexts calls for a careful examination of the boundaries between spiritual practices and human rights.

The case underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from harm, regardless of the context. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to defend the rights of the vulnerable. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial to ensure that justice is served and that victims are treated with dignity and compassion. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for accountability and the protection of the most vulnerable members of society.

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