Nigeria: 5 People Hospitalized in Riots as Synod Begins
- Updated Aug 05, 2016
Five people have been injured in riots that broke out during a synod meeting of an Anglican church in Nigeria.
According to ChristianToday.com, protests calling for the resignation of a local bishop due to his “financial recklessness” broke out during the synod meeting at St. John’s Church in Amukpe, Southern Nigeria.
Soldiers were called in to break up the disturbance, and five people were injured in the ensuing conflict and had to be hospitalized.
Two of those injured are reportedly in serious condition.
The protesters had barricaded the church so that Bishop Blessing Erefeta and other church officials participating in the synod meeting were prevented from entering the church. The church leaders held a prayer meeting at a nearby school while authorities restored order to the area.
Bishop Erifeta is accused of “financial recklessness, mal-administration, disrespect to elders and embark[ing] on incessant trips abroad with the diocese funds." The diocese has denied all the allegations.
Churchill Akure, the secretary of the diocese, said in a statement:
"The cathedral has been known for so many bad reports in the past and the bishop did not give them a room to continue in such bad light through regular caution and rebuke. This is what they called insult. They keep resisting correction and are not ready to adjust. I pray God will open their eyes of understanding."
Publication date: August 5, 2016
