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In a shocking incident that has left the Christian community in Benue State reeling, suspected armed robbers broke into Tabernacle Ministry International Church located at Tomato, GRA, Gboko, on Christmas Eve, carting away valuable church equipment estimated to be worth several millions of naira.
The burglary occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, December 24, 2025, shortly after the church concluded its carol service the previous evening. According to the General Overseer, Pastor Gloria Mwuese Akade, the congregation wrapped up activities around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, only to discover the next morning that thieves had forcefully gained entry into the building during the night.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Pastor Akade explained that the perpetrators broke the iron door to access the premises before making away with a range of essential items, including speakers, a mixer and amplifier, microphones, chargers, and other valuables critical to the church’s operations.
A church member who identified himself only as Jack first alerted local media outlet Benue Info-pedia about the incident on Thursday, December 26. Pastor Akade confirmed the details, expressing deep concern over the brazen attack on a place of worship during the festive season.
The matter has since been reported to members of the Civil Protection Guard in Gboko, with church leadership awaiting further investigation and action from security agencies. No arrests have been made so far, and the full extent of the loss is still being assessed.
The robbery has sparked outrage among residents, many of whom view it as a desecration timed to exploit the holiday period when vigilance might be lower. As the church community comes to terms with the setback just days after celebrating Christmas, calls are growing for improved security measures around religious centers in the area to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
