•Report by Kamil Opeyemi
Pentecostal Christian Church,House on the Rock, has opened up on why its presiding pastor in Abuja, Uche Aigbe, mounted the pulpit carrying an AK-47 rifle, saying it was to illustrate his teaching.
The church in a statement released apologised for the actions of the pastor adding that carrying gun to demonstrate his message was a wrong move.
The church also dismissed rumours that it was a violent church as being speculated in some quarters.
It added that it was fully committed to the good news gospel of Jesus Christ which embraces peace and goodwill for all of mankind.
“On Sunday, February 12, a resident pastor of House On The Rock, Abuja Church, Pastor Uche Aigbe in a message about fighting the good fight with spiritual weapons, carried an unloaded gun to illustrate his message on ‘Guarding your Faith,’ the statement read
“Pastor Uche has been a leader in House On The Rock, Abuja since 1999 and has always shown exemplary leadership. However, he realises that even with the best of intentions, carrying a gun to illustrate his message was ill-advised and regrettable.
“Without hesitation, Pastor Uche has acknowledged the gravity of his actions and apologises unreservedly for them.
“As a church, House On The Rock rejects all forms of violence and we stand on the good news gospel of Jesus Christ which embraces peace and goodwill for all of mankind.”
It promised to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force as they investigate the incident.
“We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they carry out their investigations into this incident, and we will continue to engage internally to ensure this break in protocol does not happen again.”