NDLEA Storm Catholic Cathedral Aba, SEE Heartless Things They Did To Both Old And Young Worshippers
On Thursday, April 4, 2024, a disturbing incident unfolded at the premises of Catholic Cathedral Of Christ The Kings Church (CKC), Aba, as a group of armed officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) launched a brazen attack, causing chaos and harm to innocent worshippers and workers.
The assault, executed with military precision, involved armed men wielding rifles, clubs, and straps.
Eyewitnesses reported that the armed men, numbering over ten, stormed the premises and allegedly manhandled worshipers, including those observing midday prayers.
Panic ensued as the operatives fired indiscriminate gunshots, prompting people to flee for safety.
The NDLEA’ s actions have sparked widespread indignation among Catholic faithful and residents of Aba and Abia State,
They barricaded the entrances, stormed the compound, and unleashed violence upon anyone in their path, uttering commands to arrest and beat indiscriminately.
Even worshippers attending the noon Mass were not spared, with reports of arrests and handcuffing.
Both young and old suffered brutality, leaving a trail of injuries, broken windows, and damaged property. The siege, which lasted for over an hour, resulted in the alleged abduction of several individuals, including church workers and security guards.
Prior to the invasion, there was a serious altercation between the church’s security guards and individuals suspected to be NDLEA operatives on April 3.
The confrontation arose when a suspect, pursued by the NDLEA, sought refuge within the CKC premises. The church’s guards resisted attempts to arrest the suspect, insisting on obtaining consent from the church authorities.
Despite apprehending the suspect, the NDLEA returned to the cathedral the following day, leading to a tense situation.
An anonymous source suggested that the invasion may stem from the perception within the NDLEA’ s upper echelons that places like churches
serve as safe havens for drug lords and criminals. The initial resistance by the church’s security guards to the suspect’s arrest likely prompted the NDLEA’s
decision to revisit the cathedral.
The incident has raised concerns about the NDLEA’s tactics and the sanctity of religious institutions. It underscores the need for dialogue and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and religious organizations to address security challenges effectively.