Rivers police have arrested a pastor and church leaders over a child-whipping “cleansing” ritual.
The viral video shows minors being struck with palm fronds under claimed divine instructions.
Police in Rivers State have paraded a pastor and two church leaders captured in a viral video whipping a group of minors during what was described as a “spiritual cleansing” ritual.
The footage shows children aged between five and nine being struck repeatedly with palm fronds by the cleric. After each child was whipped, they were handed over to another church member, who directed them to a separate group identified as “cleansed.”
Speaking to reporters, the pastor claimed the ceremony was conducted under the directive of the Holy Spirit, insisting that it was a spiritual exercise rather than a physical punishment. He also admitted sprinkling the children with water mixed with pigeon blood, which he said was part of the divine instructions.
“It was a directive from the Holy Spirit. It was not carried out carnally or by human decision, but according to spiritual inspiration,” the cleric said.
In a surprising twist, the parents of the children visited the police station to show support for the pastor. They maintained that they had willingly released their children to him for the ritual, believing it would purify them and protect them from death, disaster, and other misfortunes.
Police say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the pastor and his associates will face prosecution.
Watch video below:
