Abuja church members apprehend suspected terrorist 

Church members at St Michaeal the Arch Angel Rapheal Catholic Church, Police Barracks, Garki Abuja, Sunday, apprehended a suspected terrorist who tried to gain access to the church.

A member of the church in a video which has since gone viral said the suspect entered the church in a Peugeot car and would not stop when the church security asked him to, raising suspension.

According to the video, the suspect drew towards where the men were having their meeting, insisting he was there to see a parishioner, however, they eventually stopped him.

The parishioner in the video claimed the suspect, who was dressed in hijab and police cap, initially said he was from Abia state but could not say precisely the part of Abia state.

“After much interrogation he later said he had relatives in Ethiopia and threatened to call the Inspector General of Police (IGP) but in this church we have those working with the IGP, we have the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO). Also, in his car incriminating things were found like drugs,” the parishioner further stated in the video.

Reacting to the incident, the FCT PPRO, DSP Josephine Adeh, said: “A middle-aged man was accosted by some of the worshipers after the mass, while the men’s fellowship was holding a meeting. The main object of suspicion was his dressing and the manner in which he drove in.

“Preliminary investigation, however, shows he had just returned to the country and had come into the barracks to seek an old friend whose address he cannot clearly remember.

“The church was not attacked, no arm or prohibited item was recovered in his possession except for a face cap customised “police “ which is neither an approved kit nor an accouterment in the Police dress order.

“He was also wearing a faded suspected US Army Fashion type camouflage trousers. Though fear and panic erupted due to recent happenings in some parts of the country, normalcy was immediately restored to the situation as the police were on ground to swing into action.”

The Spokesperson said, “While the investigation continues, members of the public are urged to go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension.

“Once again, we advise the good people of the territory to eschew the habit of promulgating news blown out of proportion or outrightly fake in narration. We shall continue to ensure that the FCT remains safe and peaceful for all and sundry.”