The presiding pastor of House on the Rock, Abuja, Pastor Uche Aigbe, on Sunday, February 12 mounted the pulpit carrying an AK-47. It was unclear if the gun was loaded or not. This created a scene as the congregation tried to figure out the motive behind such act.
“Today, there are some pastors with the gift of divination who go about ripping people off. This is why we should carry our guns and defend ourselves. I will particularly be coming very soon for some of you sleeping in the church,” he said. The pastor was summoned by the police and has been clamped in detention, while investigation is ongoing.
But the church has explained the circumstances surrounding the incident. In a statement issued by the church, it stated: “On Sunday, February 12, a resident pastor of House on the Rock, Abuja Church, Pastor Uche Aigbe in a message about fighting the good fight with spiritual weapons, carried an unloaded gun to illustrate his message on ‘Guarding your Faith.’
“Pastor Uche has been a leader in House on the Rock, Abuja since 1999 and has always shown exemplary leadership.
However, he realises that even with the best of intentions, carrying a gun to illustrate his message was ill-advised and regrettable.
“Without hesitation, Pastor Uche has acknowledged the gravity of his actions and apologises unreservedly for them. “As a church, House on the Rock rejects all forms of violence and we stand on the good news gospel of Jesus Christ which embraces peace and goodwill for all of mankind.”
“We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they carry out their investigations into this incident, and we will continue to engage internally to ensure this break in protocol does not happen again.” The pastor was still with the police as of the time of filing this report.