A policeman and a commercial motorcyclist have been confirmed dead in Akure when angry youths set ablaze Sotitobire Miracle Church in Akure, Ondo state on Wednesday.
The youths stormed the church after the corpse of a one- year- old boy declared missing in the church some weeks ago was reportedly exhumed.
The policeman was killed by a mob at the scene of the incident while the motorcyclist was allegedly shot dead by a stray bullet.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo state command, Mr. Femi Joseph confirmed the development in a statement he issued in Akure.
The statement reads, “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public particularly the People of Ondo State that they should disregard the rumours making the rounds that the body of a recently declared missing boy in the state has been exhumed from Sotitobire church in Akure.
It is most unfortunate that this misleading information spearheaded by a popular TV station, has ignited a spontaneous reactions from the people leading to wanton destruction of properties and injuries to many.
The church building was also set ablaze by irate youths. Some of our officers despatched to the scene to contain the situation were pelted with stones with many of them sustaining injuries. Their patrol vehicle was also badly damaged. This rejoinder became necessary to disabuse the minds of many Nigerians who might have fallen for this wicked lies and propaganda.
The public should also not be hoodwinked by reports that the command has abandoned the investigation of the incident,as the case file is already on the way to the DPP for legal advice. Notwithstanding this latest incident, more reinforcement has been sent to the scene to contain the situation.”
