The Rivers State Police Command has paraded a pastor and two church leaders in connection with a viral video showing them whipping a group of minors during a “spiritual cleansing” ceremony. The video, which has sparked widespread outrage, depicts children aged between five and nine being struck with palm tree leaves by the cleric.

According to the police, the deliverance session was carried out on the children allegedly based on the directive of the Holy Spirit. The cleric claimed that the use of pigeon blood in a bucket of water, which was sprinkled on the minors, was also a directive from the Holy Spirit.

However, the police have taken swift action, and the children have been taken into protective custody. The parents of the children visited the police station, expressing solidarity with their pastor and claiming that they willingly handed over their children to him for purification, believing it was a directive from the Holy Spirit.

The police are investigating the matter, and appropriate actions will be taken to ensure justice is served. The incident has raised concerns about child protection and welfare, and the authorities will work to prevent similar incidents in the future.