Five suspected cultists have been arrested by the Police in Edo State for disrupting church activities at Ebelle in Igueben Local Government Area.
Musical instruments in the church, Disciples for Christ for All Nation, were destroyed and many of the church members including the pastor were beaten up.
Trouble was said to have started on December 31st during the cross over night celebration when the suspected cultists went to the church to thank God.
A church member said one of the boys brought in a bottle of beer and was smoking cigarette inside the church.
The source said the boy refused to leave the church insisting that he used to smoke and drink with the pastor of the church, Prophet Jonathan Momodu.
Witnesses said the church members fled after more suspected cultists invaded the church and ordered the pastor to leave.
Tension was said to have heightened in the community as more cultists were said to have stormed the community from Benin City
Edo Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Osifo, confirmed the incident and said the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
He also added that more suspects may be arrested.
“I am aware of five suspected that were arrested, among the others at large. They (suspects) were alleged to have disrupted a church service and for they are being investigated for cultism,” Osifo said.
