The service of a church in the Shikal community of Langtang south local government area of Plateau was interrupted on Sunday, September 18, when masquerades invaded the premises and wreaked havoc.
The masquerades forced their way into the church and began beating the congregants, including the presiding pastor, leaving many injured.
Although some members of the unnamed church tried to resist the assailants, they were overpowered and beaten into a stupor, while others fled to safety.
John Nanpor, one of the victims of the tragic incident, lamented that so far nothing is known as to why the masquerades carried out the attack.
Calling on security agencies in the state to come to do the needful, Nanpor said:
“This has been the practice here for quite some time, especially during their yearly masquerade festival. We are pleading with security agencies to assist us in order to avoid breaking of law and order.”
The development has been confirmed by the police public relations officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, who did not give details on it.
DSP Alabo stated: “The DPO of the area has confirmed that it is true, they are working on the situation and the area is calm. He said masquerades went to a Church and disrupted their activities.
“The investigation is ongoing, we will give full details when we have them.”
