The Delta state police command has arrested Fidelis Nwansa,
a resident pastor of the Christ Holy Church, Asaba, over alleged possession of
six rifles.
Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the command spokesperson who confirmed
the news on Thursday, said the rifles were discovered on the church premises.
Onovwakpoyeya disclosed that upon his arrest, the pastor
claimed that he belonged to a local vigilante group in Anambra and was using
the rifles to protect his church.
According to him, the command has since commenced an
investigation to establish the purpose of the firearms.
“Our men arrested the pastor and recovered six rifles. The
police also nab the head of the vigilante identified as Freeman,” Onovwakpoyeya
said.
“The six rifles were discovered in an uncompleted building
within the premises of the church in Asaba.
“Upon his arrest, the pastor claimed that he belongs to a
vigilante group in Anambra and that he was using the guns to protect his
church.
“However, we are investigating the matter to ascertain the
genuineness of the man.”
Hafiz Inuwa, the state commissioner of police, also said the
pastor’s arrest was made by the force during a mop-up operation.
“Some people from across the Niger have started or are
bringing in vigilantes and criminals to Delta State in the name of providing
security for churches and hotels, forgetting the fact that it is illegal to do
that, because a vigilante from another state cannot come and operate in this
state,” he said.
“Secondly, they are carrying sophisticated firearms. There
is every indication that once they bring these people, they are also engaged in
criminality. So, we have recovered six pump action rifles.”
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