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Abuja Pastor Apologises For Mounting Pulpit With AK-47, Suspends Duties

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2023

The presiding pastor of House on the Rock Abuja, Pastor Uche Aigbe, has tendered an unreserved apology to his congregation and the entire Nigerians for mounting the pulpit with an unloaded AK-47.

A remorseful Aigbe, in a video posted on the church’s social media page on Tuesday, showed the pastor in last Sunday’s service saying he was disappointed in himself for not considering the consequences of bringing the firearm to illustrate a passage in the Scripture before taking the decision.

Report had it how the preacher caused a stir when he mounted the pulpit with the rifle to address the congregation on ‘Guarding the Faith.’

The viral video clip of him brandishing an AK-47 on the altar generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some people calling for his arrest by security agencies.

Following the tension created by the viral clip on social media and online blogs that picked the story from The PUNCH, the church released a statement, saying the minister had always shown exemplary leadership since he became a pastor in 1999.

While explaining that the minister was trying to illustrate his message through the action, the church, however, faulted his use of the gun.

While the drama was ongoing, Aigbe was invited for questioning and subsequently detained by police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The command also confirmed the arrest of the Chief Security Officer of the church, Inspector Musa Audu, who it identified as the owner of the AK-47.

But Aigbe addressed his congregation midway through the Sunday Service that the traumatic experience he had in the last one week had given him a lot of concerns.

While apologising for the embarrassment his action had caused the church, he admitted guilt for not giving his decision to mount the pulpit with a firearm a second thought.

He 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 a 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.”

While appreciating his family and the leadership of the church for the moral, physical and spiritual support he received since his trial started, the presiding pastor suddenly announced that he would be withdrawing from his pastoral assignments to reflect over the events of the past week and for healing.

According to him, the decision was taken after due consultation with the church leadership.

Aigbe also used the opportunity to pray for a peaceful and violence-free election.

“I want to thank you all for your prayers, love, empathy, goodwill messages and emotional support during this traumatic period. As Christians, time is of such trial that I have presently experienced, learning opportunities to grow in grace. I appreciate the love of our Heavenly Father who never leaves us nor forsakes us. He has promised us that no matter what happens, He will always be with us.

“To this end, I have consulted as necessary and with acceptable guidance from the senior leadership of the church. And I would like to humbly ask for your permission to take some time to pray, meditate, reflect and also to heal from all of the things that happened and its consequence. Notwithstanding, I will always be in church on Sundays and Wednesdays to worship with you.

“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.

“So, let’s remain resolute in our faith and trust in God. Let’s continue to labour in the house and not allow the enemies to deter us in any way. I also believe God for a peaceful election on Saturday and the weeks after that,” he urged.

After he finished, the entire congregation rose clapping and applauding him.

Many walked up to pat and hug him, while reassuring him that the storm is over.

There were also reactions on the church social media handle where some followers hailed his courage and his mind-blowing apology.

Tony Atambi exclaimed, “Great to see you again, Dear Pastor!!!” while another social media user, Omiete Alalibo, wrote “Pastor Uche, the Lord will continue to stand for you. Every plan of the enemy will be turned around for good.”

Another follower, Ogunniyi Oluseye Oreofe, stated that “God has turned it around for our Good.”

A barrister, Sheyilami Longe, said, “It is well with you my pastor.”

On his own part, Nanman wrote, “God is good to us through every season of our lives and he is with you Pastor Uche, your family and every member of House On The Rock.”

PUNCH

News

Makinde, Wife Installed As Aare Omoluabi, Yeye Aare Omoluabi Of Akure Kingdom

Published

8 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Editor

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, and his wife, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, have been installed as the Aare Omoluabi and the Yeye Aare Omoluabi of Akure Kingdom.

The governor, who was conferred with the chieftaincy by the Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, in Akure, on Friday, said the honour was a call to contribute to the uplift of Akure Kingdom.

Makinde, who congratulated the Deji on his 10th anniversary on the throne, promised to continue to strive and do his best for the progress of the kingdom.

He said that he would contribute towards completing the Akure Town Hall and the modernisation of the Akure Palace, among other things.

He said: “For me and my wife, we are elated for the honour done to us. We can only promise that we will continue to strive and do our best for the progress of Akure Kingdom.

“Usually, they say that prophets are not recognised in their own domain. But today, Akure Kingdom has recognised one of their own. So, I appreciate this. In 1977, I was here and I was 10 years old. So, the honour done to me today is because I am a son of the soil and it is a further call to do my best for the uplift of our Akure Kingdom.

“I want to thank my mother, Mrs Victoria Modupe Alo. She insisted that she must be here.

“There are ongoing projects in the palace and the town hall. I will contribute towards completing the Akure Town Hall. I will also contribute towards modernising the palace of Akure.

“You will know the 10th year coronation of Kabiyesi for a big difference.”

The event had in attendance dignitaries from Oyo State and across the country.

News

How To Stop Smoking

Published

9 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Editor

The only way to motivate yourself to stop smoking is to change your lifestyle. If you continue the same life exactly with the same mindset (corn, overeating, unfulfilled job, unfulfilled marriage, etc.), you will relapse later even if you quit for months or years because smoking is a mindset, it’s a symptom of unfulfilled life.

Smoking, or any addiction for that matter, is a symptom of unfinished shadow work (it’s a bit complex term, research it and keep diving within) When life tastes sweet, smoking loses its flavor, so start actually living instead of sleepwalking through life, review your hobbies, check lines of work you’ve always been passionate about, talk the real talk with spouse, friends, filter out the people that are holding you back and dragging you down to their level (you won’t be able to see that with clarity if you smoke)
(TRIBUNE ONLINE)

News

Top 10 African Countries With Cheapest Petrol Prices In July 2025

Published

9 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Editor

Even though many African countries are facing energy problems and making changes in their oil and gas industries, some still have some of the cheapest petrol prices in the world as of July 2025.

Libya, Angola and Algeria are the top three countries with cheapest petrol prices in Africa.

Below are top 10 African countries with the cheapest petrol prices in July 2025, as per GlobalPetrolPrices.com.

Libya

In Libya, fuel costs $0.028 per litre (42.397 Naira), and with its vast oil reserves, it keeps fuel prices remarkably low through significant government subsidies. This long-standing approach guarantees affordable energy for its citizens, contributing to social stability. Despite ongoing political instability, the nation consistently utilises its resources to provide this low-cost energy.

Angola

In Angola, fuel costs $0.327 per litre (500.253 Naira). As a major African oil producer, the country’s domestic output helps keep fuel relatively affordable. However, the government faces the challenge of balancing these subsidies with revenue generation, particularly as it strives to diversify its economy.

Algeria

As a major oil and gas producer, Algeria provides highly affordable fuel, priced around $0.353 per litre (540.216 Naira), through substantial government subsidies. This strategy is important to ensure accessible energy for its citizens and foster social stability. Nevertheless, the government is under pressure to reform its subsidy system to ease fiscal burdens and advance economic diversification

Egypt

At $0.385 per litre (588.000 Naira), Egypt’s fuel prices reflect its dual status as a significant producer and consumer of petroleum. While the government has implemented subsidy reforms in recent years, fuel remains relatively affordable, ensuring widespread energy access for its large population. This approach supports economic growth by reallocating funds previously spent on subsidies to more productive sectors.

Nigeria

Nigeria offers fuel at approximately $0.545 (832.630 Naira) per litre, positioning it among the top countries globally for affordability. This pricing reflects a combination of domestic production advantages and past subsidy policies. However, the nation continues to navigate challenges stemming from recent subsidy reforms and persistent fuel shortages, which significantly impact its economy and citizens.

Sudan

Sudan sells fuel at approximately $0.700 (1070.376 Naira) per litre, placing it among the more affordable options globally. However, political instability and severe economic challenges, including high inflation and currency devaluation, significantly influence its fuel pricing. While subsidies aim to keep fuel affordable, the government struggles to maintain consistent prices amidst these ongoing pressures.

Tunisia

Tunisia ranks 33rd globally with fuel priced at $0.871 (1331.151 Naira) per litre. The country imports most of its energy needs, but government subsidies keep fuel prices relatively low for its citizens. Economic reforms and rising energy demands may challenge this affordability in the future.

Ethiopia

At $0.897 (1372.111 Naira) per litre, Ethiopia ranks 35th globally in fuel affordability. Unlike some of its oil-producing neighbours, Ethiopia is a net importer of fuel, making its pricing sensitive to global oil market fluctuations. The government’s focus on developing infrastructure and reducing reliance on imports could influence future fuel pricing.

Liberia

Liberia offers fuel at $0.908 (1388.903 Naira) per litre, placing it 36th globally. As a net fuel importer, the country’s pricing reflects transportation and import costs. Efforts to stabilise the economy and improve infrastructure are critical to ensuring a consistent fuel supply and affordability

Gabon

In Gabon, fuel costs $1.059 (1619.454 Naira) per litre, ranking it 51st globally. As an oil-exporting nation, Gabon benefits from domestic production, which helps maintain reasonable fuel prices. However, economic diversification remains a priority as the country seeks to reduce dependency on oil revenues.