Suspected thieves have reportedly stolen over seven car batteries while Mass was going on at the Assumption Catholic Church, Ekiugbo-Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Parish Priest of the church, Michael Jonny (not real name) who raised the alarm during Sunday Holy Mass, called for security beef up around vehicles at worship centers and other public places.
According to the cleric, “Good morning dear Friends, last Sunday, while we were celebrating Mass, some criminals came to the primary school which we use for parking lots and broke into a number of vehicles, carting away at least 7 car batteries and some cash.
“I understand that the same thing happened at Eucharistic school only the Saturday before. Please let’s beef up our security apparatus, God help us.”
One of the affected victims, Mr Ogheneovo Oberhiri cautioned every car owner to be cautious over their vehicles.
He said, “To whom it may concern, please be very vigilant where you pack your car. Today mine and 7 other persons car batteries were stolen at our church premises Assumption catholic church Ekiugbo.
A parent who lamented to our reporter said; ” It was so surprising to me that I only came to the Eucharistic School here in Ekuigbo to drop off my kids, but before I returned, my battery was stolen even when the car was still locked. It is surprising and annoying because it was in the day time.”
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The wave of crime aimed at vandalizing cars parked at Church premises, banks and other public business and private places is on the rise in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.
In August, cars belonging to a staff of a microfinance bank in Ughelli, and customers parked outside the bank were vandalized and their batteries stolen in broad daylight.
Narrating his own experience a member of St John Anglican Church, Mr Lucky Esiso said, “Just yesterday, while service was ongoing at Anglican Church at Up-Agbarho, Ughelli four car batteries were stolen within the premises.
“We are calling on the multiple security agencies in the town and the Ughelli North Local government chairman to beef up security and intelligence in order to curb the new wave of crime trending fast.” Mr. Gabriel appealed.
Also a police officer whose car was parked at the Onoharigho street in Otovwodo was vandalized and the battery stolen.
