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| Image: Facebook |
A tense incident in Abia State has sparked widespread debate online after a man was reportedly captured on video storming a church during a night vigil while holding a cutlass, allegedly to protest what he described as excessive noise. The incident is said to have occurred in Ibeku, Umuahia, and the video has continued to gain traction across social media platforms.
The footage, which surfaced online on Tuesday, shows the visibly agitated man inside the church auditorium, clutching a cutlass as he confronted members of the congregation. In the video, he is heard demanding that worshippers leave the premises, accusing the church of causing unbearable noise within the neighbourhood. Despite the threatening object in his hand, some church members were seen attempting to calm him down and prevent the situation from escalating further.
Although the exact circumstances leading up to the confrontation remain unclear, the video has triggered intense reactions, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users expressed sharply divided opinions. While some condemned the man’s method and the presence of a weapon, others sympathised with his frustration over persistent noise pollution in residential areas.
One social media user, identified as #mrboboskie, took a hard stance against the intruder’s actions, writing, “Noise pollution isn’t a good thing but the church members no do well, dem suppose give the man correct beating for showing up with a cutlass.” The comment drew mixed reactions, with some agreeing that the man crossed a dangerous line, while others felt the response suggested further violence.
Another user, #dahtgirl_ajex, offered a more reflective perspective, suggesting that the man’s outburst may have been the result of prolonged frustration. “I wanted to say this is not the right approach but what if he has approached the right sources and nothing was done and he couldn’t bear it again. You can tell he has endured enough. Please stop building church in residential areas,” she wrote.
The incident also reignited conversations around legal options and the responsibility of religious centres to manage sound levels. Joe_Bassey weighed in, stating, “They will all see him as a devil, neglecting the fact that they don’t have sound proof. He can equally sue them and win the case.” His comment shifted the discussion toward the enforcement of environmental and noise control laws.
Similarly, #felixherbt shared a personal perspective that resonated with many users, saying, “You will understand his frustration if your house is near one of these Pentecostal churches. Their noise pollution is annoying.” This sentiment echoed the experiences of residents who have long complained about loud religious activities, especially during overnight vigils and early morning services.
While no official statement has been released by the police or local authorities regarding the incident, the circulating video has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between religious freedom and residents’ right to a peaceful environment. Noise pollution from churches, mosques, clubs, and event centres has remained a recurring issue in many Nigerian communities, often leading to disputes between residents and worship centres.
Observers have noted that while grievances over noise pollution are valid, confronting such issues with weapons poses serious safety risks and could easily result in tragic consequences. Many have called for stronger regulation, community dialogue, and enforcement of existing environmental laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the video continues to spread, it has become a flashpoint for broader discussions on urban planning, sound regulation, and the need for peaceful conflict resolution in densely populated neighbourhoods across the country.
Watch video below:
#AbiaState
#NollywoodTimes
#NoisePollution
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