How Pastor Sets Woman Ablazed During Deliverance Prayer- See What Happened
A 21- year- old woman, identified as Sukura Owodunni, has reportedly sustained severe burns following a deliverance ritual allegedly conducted by Pastor Taiwo Odebiyi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Maberu Parish in Offin, Sagamu, Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 17, when Owodunni visited the church after being invited by Pastor Odebiyi for a special prayer session. According to witnesses, the pastor had instructed Owodunni to bring specific items for the ritual: a bottle of Amazing Grace perfume, local eggs, and a candle.
During the session, Pastor Odebiyi reportedly poured the perfume onto Owodunni’ s body and then lit a candle. Shortly after the candle was ignited, the young woman caught fire. The flames reportedly engulfed parts of her body, leaving her with severe burns on her chest, shoulders, and legs.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with members of the congregation rushing to extinguish the flames and help the victim. Despite their efforts, the burns were severe, and Owodunni was left in excruciating pain.
The incident was reported to the police, and the Divisional Police Officer in Adigbe led a team to arrest Pastor Odebiyi at the church premises. State Police spokesperson SP Omolola Odutola confirmed the pastor’ s arrest and stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
” We have apprehended the suspect, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after the preliminary investigation is completed, ” Odutola said.
Odutola also disclosed that Owodunni was taken to a medical facility for treatment. However, it was alleged that the victim was left to bear the financial burden of her medical expenses alone. This development has sparked outrage among some members of the public, who believe that the church or the pastor should be held accountable for the costs incurred.
The tragic event has drawn widespread attention, raising concerns about the safety of practices during spiritual rituals and the accountability of religious leaders. Many have questioned why flammable substances like perfume were used in a manner that posed significant risks, especially when combined with an open flame.
Deliverance rituals, often involving prayers and symbolic acts, are a common practice in some religious communities in Nigeria. However, incidents like this highlight the potential dangers when such practices are carried out without proper precautions or understanding of the risks involved.
The incident has also reignited debates about the regulation of religious practices in the country. Critics argue that more oversight is needed to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the safety of worshippers. Others have called for stricter consequences for religious leaders who engage in practices that endanger lives.
As investigations continue, many are awaiting updates on the legal actions that may be taken against Pastor Odebiyi. Meanwhile, there are growing calls for justice for Sukura Owodunni and for measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.