Clashes on Saturday January 29 between the police and followers of the Azael Church, described as a sect, left eight dead in the district of Monkpa, a district of the city of Savalou, in the center of the country. Two police officers are among the dead. The pastor and several of his followers are on the run.
With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
The two policemen were first sequestered before being assassinated by members of the Church baptized Azael. The founder is a young Beninese from Nigeria, no one can classify his movement because of his practices. Their temple is erected in the middle of the bush, the followers do not cut their hair.
The founder, rather perceived as the guru of a sect announces the end of the world and recommends that everyone sell their goods. It is in the name of this slogan that his flock seizes the peasants’ crops with violence.
The Actively Wanted “Pastor”
The police receive several complaints, summon the guru, but he does not show up. A descent is then planned for Saturday. The operation degenerates. The police are fired upon and retaliate, they prevent the police station from being set on fire.
The balance sheet of eight dead circulated all day Saturday, six worshipers and two police officers. A notable of the region evokes the death of a seventh faithful not confirmed by the authorities. The army went as reinforcements, but the situation is under control according to the police. The pastor is on the run and actively sought.
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