ANGRY NEIGHBOR CHASES CHURCH MEMBERS WITH CUTLASS OVER NOISE DISTURBANCE IN UMUAHIA

ANGRY NEIGHBOR CHASES CHURCH MEMBERS WITH CUTLASS OVER NOISE DISTURBANCE IN UMUAHIA

Tension gripped parts of Ibeku community in Umuahia, Abia State, on Sunday night after an angry resident allegedly chased members of a Christian church with a cutlass over what he described as excessive noise during a night vigil.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred in the late hours when worshippers were observing an overnight prayer session at a church located within a residential area of the community. The situation reportedly escalated when the neighbour confronted the congregation over the volume of the sound, which he claimed had become unbearable.

According to residents, the man later returned wielding a cutlass, forcing church members to flee the premises in fear. No fatalities were reported, but the incident caused panic in the neighbourhood and disrupted the vigil.

Some community members intervened to prevent the situation from degenerating further, while the suspect was later restrained and reported to local authorities. As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether an arrest had been made.

The incident has reignited discussions around noise pollution, religious tolerance, and community relations, particularly during night vigils and other late-hour activities. Residents called on religious organisations to be mindful of their surroundings, while also urging authorities to enforce existing environmental and public safety laws.

Police authorities in Abia State have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.