Abuja Pastor Apologises For Preaching With Unloaded Firearm, Announces Temporary Step Down From Pulpit
The Presiding Pastor of House on the Rock Abuja, Pastor Uche Aigbe, has apologised to the congregation and Nigerians for mounting the pulpit with an unloaded AK-47 rifle.
Last Sunday, according to a video posted on the church’s social media on Tuesday, the remorseful Aigbe said he was disappointed in himself for preaching with a firearm.
The embattled 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 rifle on the altar generated mixed reactions with some calling for his arrest by security agencies.
Aigbe was detained by police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory, which also arrested the Chief Security Officer of the Church, Inspector Musa Audu, who it identified as the owner of the AK-47.
On Sunday, 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.”
On his decision to step down temporarily, he said: “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 consequences. 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.’’
