My action traumatic, disappointing, says Abuja pastor for preaching with AK-47, steps aside

Pastor Uche Aigbe, the Presiding Pastor of House on the Rock, Abuja, has described his action for mounting the pulpit with an unloaded AK-47 rifle, as a traumatic and disappointing experience.

A video posted on the church’s social media platform shows the remorseful Aigbe apologising to the congregation.

The cleric had mounted the pulpit with the rifle, which he used to illustrate his topic, ‘Guarding the faith,’ thereby setting off an avalanche of reactions, leading to his detention by the police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

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However, the repentant Aigbe said: “This morning I stand before you with a deep sense of sobriety and contrition as I humbly address the event of last Sunday at the second service which most of us were part of, where I used an unloaded firearm to illustrate some texts from the Bible regarding the good fight of faith.

“Of course, like you all know, it has caused a lot of embarrassment and pain to the entire church family, to you House on the Rock (The Refuge), to my immediate family and, of course, to myself. The decision that I made to use that firearm was not thoughtful. It has left me disappointed in myself. My action has been very traumatic for me, my family and, I am sure, for many of us. And I trust that we will never ever experience such again.”

Aigbe also announced his decision to temporarily step aside in the meantime.

According to him, he had consulted the senior leadership of the Church with whose guidance he humbly asked “for your permission to take some time to pray, meditate, reflect and heal from all of the things that happened and its consequences. Notwithstanding, I will always be in church on Sundays and Wednesdays to worship with you.

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“Let me say that I bear no grudge against anybody in my heart. If I have offended you, please forgive me. God is God and He will always remain our Father.’’

Meanwhile, the Chief Security Officer of the church, Inspector Musa Audu, who was identified as the owner of the AK-47, was also arrested and has been reportedly recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police.