Drama ensued in Acut Omer village in Gem Parish in Pukony Sub County in Gulu district where residents set ablaze the worship materials of the New Jerusalem Tabernacle Church.
An angry mob led by the area LC I Chairperson, Geoffrey Oringa destroyed the church which belongs to Severino Lukoya, the father to the late Alice Lakwena, the former rebel leader and founder of the Holy Spirit Movement.
A crucifix, shea butter gourds, stones, water and Shillings 300 that was assembled in the church compound on Wednesday evening were all destroyed.
The angry mob accused church leaders of involving in cult practices, which include sprinkling of water and smearing Shea butter on worshipers allegedly to protect them from bad omen and preaching a false gospel about heaven.
According to Oringa, the practices remind him of Lakwena who used the same items to lure them into rebellion, saying they would overpower government troops. Adding that he narrowly survived death on the war front after being tricked into believing he was protected.
The Pukony Sub County LC III Richard Watmon says that the incident followed a resolution by the Sub County Security committee held in April this year where it was resolve to block the operations of the church.
He adds that the leadership of New Jerusalem Tabernacle Church had started erecting a foundation without informing the sub county and local authorities. Lukoya claims the church is registered with government as a legal entity.
