Worshippers ‘rescued’ from church basement refuse to be reunited with their families in Ondo State

A number of worshippers have refused to reunite with their respective families after they were brought out of a church in Ondo State.

The worshippers which amounted to 77, comprising 26 children, eight teenagers, and 43 adults were ‘rescued’ from the basement on the premises of The Whole Bible Believers’ Church, popularly known as Ondo Church, in Valentino area of Ondo Town.

It was reported that the church was holding a seven-day retreat when the police stormed its premises last Friday. Seventy-seven people were let out as some of them had been reportedly held for about three weeks.

Some of the parents whose children were in the congregation without their consent had reported the case to the police.

According to Channels Television, a dramatic scenario occurred on Monday, July 4, when several of those rescued refused to depart with their families, insisting on remaining with the pastor. Their families accused the Pastor of hypnotizing them as a result of this.

Dr Juliana Osadahun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo, told the news station that the government will meet with the police and victims’ families to obtain a full briefing on the occurrence and take immediate measures.