by S’ola Filani

For refusing to vacate the church premises, worshippers at the Mount Zion Mission, Idong-Akpentun Uquo in Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State recently received a well prepared coffin from youths in the community.

They were reportedly having a prayer session when the youths busted in with the coffin.

On sighting the ‘unwelcome gift’, some of the worshippers took to their heels for fear of their lives.

Leadership reports that there has been a face-off between the church and people of the community over a parcel of land on which the church and the pastor’s house under construction currently stand.

However, the resident pastor of the church, Apostle Udo, debunked allegations that the plot of land was illegally acquired, saying the parcel of land was actually sold to the church by one Mr Okon William, some years back.

He explained that all necessary documents in respect of the land transaction were in order as they were duly signed by the two parties.

He further said that there was no problem until recently, when the church decided to erect a befitting pastor’s lodge when members of the man’s family started making trouble.

The dispute, according to the pastor, was however taken to the village council and later to the Magistrate Court in the area where the court ruled that the church should find an alternative land for the family in order to assuage them.

Udo explained that the church had actually concluded arrangement to do so when suddenly; they were inundated with series of threats including the display of the coffin.

Sola