Hoodlums have attacked a church in Gboko, Benue State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

A source in the church said the attack might not be unconnected with a recent allegation that an unnamed married woman who went to the church for prayers was raped.

The source, however, wondered how the said victim could have been raped at about 10 a.m. without raising the alarm in a church located on the roadside.

Among the items destroyed at the church known as Throne of Grace Healing and Deliverance Ministries on Gboko-Aliade Road were chairs, keyboard, drums and public address system.

Unused tiles, windows and roof of the building were also destroyed by the invaders.

The head of the church, Prophet Prince Matthew Iorhembe, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said the attack occurred at about 11 am penultimate Friday.

He said some youths stormed the church with dangerous weapons and carried out the attack unchallenged.

Prophet Iorhembe said although he called the police, the youths had carried out the destruction of the aforementioned items and left before the police arrived.

He said that men of Gboko Central Police Station had already arrested three persons in connection with the incident.

He said the Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council, Barrister Torseer Yina, and former member representing Gboko/Tarka at the House of Representatives, Hon. John Dyegh, had indicated interest in the case and therefore discussions were on.

He called on members of the church to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, noting that the items destroyed were worth more than N10 million.

The cleric wondered why his church would be attacked in such a brazen manner without anyone telling him his offence. (The Nation, but headline rejigged)