Angry youths on Wednesday burnt down a worship house, Sotitobire Miracle Centre, in Oshinle area of Akure over the reported disappearance of a toddler.
A policeman and an unidentified person were killed in the incident.
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The area had been under tension since a one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole, went missing at the worship house on November 10.
The youths set the church and a vehicle on fire following claims that the missing boy’s corpse was exhumed from the worship house.
The church’s billboard at another branch in Oba Ile area of Akure was also pulled down.
Founder of the church, Alfa Babatunde, was arrested by the Department of State Services on December 8 following a petition written by the parents of the missing boy.
Ondo police spokesman, Femi Joseph, in a statement denied claims that the corpse was exhumed inside the worship house.
“It is most unfortunate that this misleading information spearheaded by a popular TV station has ignited spontaneous reactions from the people leading to wanton destruction of properties and injuries to many,” he said.
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“The church building was also set ablaze by irate youths. Some of our officers dispatched to the scene to contain the situation were pelted with stones with many of them sustaining injuries. Their patrol vehicle was also badly damaged.”
Mr Joseph assured the public that the police is investigating the matter.
