In a shocking and distressing turn of events, members of Salvation Ministries, led by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, allegedly attacked and brutalised a journalist on the premises of their church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, accusing him of espionage and causing a commotion by raising a fire alarm during a Sunday service.
The journalist, who was attending the church service as part of his assignment to cover events at the large congregation, raised a fire alarm after noticing what appeared to be a potential safety hazard in the church building. The raised alarm, which was aimed at ensuring the safety of those present, was met with hostility by several members of the congregation, who quickly turned on the journalist, accusing him of spying on the church.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the journalist was forcibly dragged outside the church, beaten, and subjected to physical abuse by members of the congregation. Several churchgoers are reported to have joined in the assault, while security personnel present at the church allegedly did little to intervene or stop the attack.
The journalist, whose identity is being withheld for safety reasons, sustained injuries and was later rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. It is understood that the incident was reported to the police, and an investigation is now underway to determine the full extent of the attack and the involvement of any church staff.
"This is a deeply troubling incident that highlights the importance of safety and respect for journalists working in the public interest. No journalist should ever be subject to violence or intimidation for doing their job. We are calling on both the church leadership and the police to thoroughly investigate what happened and hold those responsible accountable."