Latest reports inform that pandemonium broke out at the International Gospel Church in Warri on Sunday when fire broke out at the church that belongs to the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.
Eyewitnesses expressed that the tragic incident happened after the second service and that the fire reportedly gutted the guest house, radio/TV studio, clinic and library
It was gathered that some members of the church raised alarm about the fire outbreak when they noticed the smoke billowing over the rooftop of the church.
The fire reportedly lasted from about 12:30 – 1pm before fire service men from the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, arrived the scene of the incident and quelled it by about 2:30pm.
A source informed that the fire began from a guestroom and spread to other parts of the building.
According to reports, the fire destroyed properties estimated to have run into millions of naira.
It was however gathered that Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and his wife Helen were still in the office when the fire broke out,Daily Independent report stated.
Though no church official was willing to comment on the incident, some members of the church told newsmen that it was the handiwork of the devil to derail and distract Oritsejafor from his focused fight against evil forces in the country bent on destabilising the government of President Goodluck Jonathan and drive fear into the heart of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President.
Security agents were on hand to guard against untoward action and all church workers were seen jubilating and giving thanks to God that no life was lost, saying: “Satan’s plan has been defeated.”
The Word of Life’s yearly Daughters of Sarah programme and Trade Fair pavilion have all been set to take off in spite of the fire.