Three Kids Die In Church Premises …Pastor In Police Net

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru (left) with first Military Administrator of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, shortly after attending a pull-out parade for Sir William Igoni Park, retired Assist Comptroller- General of Immigration in Port Harcourt, last week. Photo: Kevin Nengia

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru (left) with first Military Administrator of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, shortly after attending a pull-out parade for Sir William Igoni Park, retired Assist Comptroller- General of Immigration in Port Harcourt, last week. Photo: Kevin Nengia

Tragedy struck at Ikwerrengwo community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State as three children of the same parents were found dead in the premises of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) last Friday afternoon.

The three kids, prior to their mysterious death on that fateful Friday had prayed with their father in an early morning devotion before their dad, a trader departed for Aba to purchase some goods.

Unfortunately, Mr Francis Onwuka never came back to see his kids alive. Precisely 10 hours later, he received a call from his in-law at home that his three children had been found dead in a church compound. The kids are the only children Onwuka has in his marriage.

Mr Onwuka who hails from Isiala Mbano in Imo State while reliving the shocking story to The Tide said he was numb on returning to see the lifeless bodies of his three children, whose names were given as Emmanuel (7), Bob-Martins (5) and Patrick (3).

Grief-stricken Onwuka alleged that prior to the sad event, the church had reportedly swept a strange object from his house wrapped in toilet tissue but he never suspected anything. Though, the cause of the mysterious death of the kids is still uncertain, Onwuka said he suspected a foul play from the pastor of the church. According to him, the pastor ran away after the incident.

Confirming the incident in a telephone chat with The Tide, the Rivers State Police spokesman, Ben Ugwuegbulam said the matter was being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The Police spokesman said all parties involved in the matter were in their custody and  under investigation and that further statement would be made after the police might have concluded investigations on the issue.

The Tide learnt that the bodies of the children have  been deposited at a private mortuary in Abia State.

Jennifer Mere

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru (left) with first Military Administrator of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, shortly after attending a pull-out parade for Sir William Igoni Park, retired Assist Comptroller- General of Immigration in Port Harcourt, last week. Photo: Kevin Nengia