An unidentified self-proclaimed pastor has been paraded in Umuidoko Ogrute, Enugu State, for allegedly impregnating his female church members
The pastor was reportedly caught on Friday, April 28, after one of his female members revealed to her family that her pastor was responsible for her pregnancy.
According to reports, the pastor, who has a church in the community, always gives his female church members visions or prophecies to help them get married to rich men.
The women, desperate for a miracle, visit his church for a solution and never return home to their families.
The pastor allegedly takes them to a mountain where he built a small hut, sleeps with them on a rotational basis, and orders them to terminate their pregnancy when they become pregnant.
His activities came to light when one of his victims revealed to her family that the pastor impregnated her.
Her family alerted the community, and irate youths surged to the church to rescue other trapped female members.
They reportedly found several other victims and set them free from the pastor’s hold.
In anger, the community youths razed down the church, and the pastor’s properties were destroyed.
The community’s reaction clearly showed their rejection of the pastor’s unethical behaviour and the exploitation of unsuspecting individuals.
It is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to others who may be exploiting individuals under the guise of religious practices.
Meanwhile, the police authorities have been alerted and are investigating this alleged crime.
Such acts are nefarious and a slap on humanity, and laws must be enacted to curb them.
It is high time the government enacted laws that regulate religious activities, especially the proliferation of churches that spring up daily without proper checks and balances.
Churches must serve as avenues for worship and do good deeds rather than exploit individuals for material gain.
The problem of illicit behaviour and sexual exploitation in the religious sector is not limited to Nigeria alone.
It is high time religious leaders worldwide addressed such issues squarely and enacted mechanisms to combat them.
Individuals who perpetrate such acts in the guise of religion must be brought to justice.
The community’s reaction is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that religious leaders do what is right and act with a sense of responsibility.
Young people and vulnerable individuals should be protected from the unscrupulous activities of such religious leaders.
