The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on government to come to the aid of Christians, alleging that traditionalists in Adim community, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State are intimidating and harassing the fellowship
Penpushing reports that the coordinator Pastor Victor Okon, made the call while addressing journalists following the conflict between Christians and the traditionalists centres on the yearly new yam festival in the community.
The cleric who is the senior pastor of Christ Divine Liberation International said the traditionalists have gone as far as destroying church buildings in the community, stressing that the persecution of Christians in the Adim community had become life-threatening.
Penpushing further reports that Okon appealed for intervention by relevant government authorities, adding that the traditionalists usually want churches in the area shut for two days that the festival is celebrated.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) said the claim of the traditionalists was that the church desecrates their holy days arguing that the Christians have no right to worship during the new yam festival.
Penpushing also reports that the cleric alleged that the latest crisis began when some Christians were attacked and destroyed the sound system and vehicle used while they were sharing flyers for an upcoming church programme in the area.
‘We were not only attacked; they went as far as destroying the sound system and vehicle used for evangelism. This issue started in 2019 when they started confiscating megaphones, Bibles, and torches of Christians who go out for morning prayers’, he said.
‘This usually occurs between July and August. They come out with the proviso that the two months shouldn’t be used to preach anything about Christ anywhere near the community. To resolve this issue amicably, I have met with the clan head of the community to ensure peace reigns’, Okon added.
‘We don’t interfere with their procedures, processions and any activities before, during or after their festival, but they keep attacking us. We have reported this matter to the police but at the moment we are not satisfied with their handling of the matter’.
‘That is why we are calling on Governor Bassey Out and the inspector general of police to come to our aid, we can no longer bear this kind of threat. As I speak, I am in hiding, I can’t enter my community freely, even where I went for safety they have also traced me there to harm me’, he said.
Penpushing reports that the clan head of Adim community, Etim Owai, when contacted declined comment on the matter, while the spokesperson of the Zone 6 Police Command, Calabar, Nelson Okpebi, said the matter was being investigated.
‘The matter is before us. A pastor wrote a petition to the command from Adim, we are investigating the matter. X squad is the unit handling it. That is all I can tell you for now’, the Zone 6 Police Command spokesperson said
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