Tension gripped the Edjeba community in Warri, Delta State, on Sunday after a group of traditional masquerades allegedly attacked a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), leaving a pastor and six worshippers injured.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the church’s Sunday service at its Edjeba Shell Gate location.
Our correspondent gathered that the presiding pastor, identified as Albert, was about to leave the premises with his family when a procession of masquerades and youths passed in front of the church.
According to sources, the pastor reportedly paused within the church compound to allow the group to move past before exiting.
However, the situation escalated when one of the masquerades allegedly attempted to assault female members of the church.
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“The pastor tried to intervene and stop the masquerade from touching the girls. That was when the situation turned violent,” a witness said.
The source added that the masquerades and the accompanying youths descended on the pastor, prompting some church members to rush to his defence.
This reportedly triggered a broader attack on the congregation.
During the altercation, six church members sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Three of the victims were said to be in critical condition and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The attackers also reportedly vandalised parts of the church during the incident.
Residents and church leaders in Warri have called on the Delta State government and security agencies to urgently investigate the attack, arrest those responsible, and ensure the protection of worship centres in the area.
Community members noted that Edjeba has witnessed a pattern of violent incidents in recent weeks.
They referenced a recent allegation by a female resident who accused members of a masquerade group of assault.
In another incident last week, a young man known as Rollas was attacked and injured in the same community, following a clash with masquerades.
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