Hoodlums reportedly beat a Nigerian church's pastor and elders after they stormed the Christian church during its Sunday worship service this week.
According to the report by Sun News Online, the thugs were riding their motorcycles when they entered a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church in the middle of a Sunday service in Akure, capital of Ondo State.
The members of the congregation reportedly ran out of the church as quickly as possible, leaving their pastor and elders at the hands of the assailants. The victims were beaten 'into a pulp' before the authorities arrived.
In the report, the assaulters destroyed some items and furniture in the church including chairs, the wall clock, and even some technical equipment.
Sun News Online also reported that a factional leader of the church allegedly contested the appointment of the new pastor.
Policemen reportedly arrived at the scene but were powerless against the group of hoodlums. Some of the thugs were arrested, but their companions immediately came to their rescue, causing a slight violent comotion in the process.
A police officer was reportedly stabbed in the neck by one of the thugs using a broken glass bottle.
According to Wole Ogodo, Police Public Relations Officer, details about the incident are currently under investigation.