See How Igbo ‘Jewish Synagogue’ Was Raided By Soldiers, Arrested Worshipers On Sabbath

See How Igbo ‘Jewish Synagogue’ Was Raided By Soldiers, Arrested Worshipers On Sabbath

When government forces attacked a synagogue in Orji, Imo state, Nigeria, on Saturday, scores of Jewish worshipers were reportedly seized.

The event occurred amid rising tensions in the country’s eastern region, where government forces are repressing separatists seeking an independent state known as Biafra.

When highly armed state soldiers raided the Orji synagogue on Saturday, October 30, 2021, Jewish worshipers were allegedly keeping Sabbath

See How Igbo ‘Jewish Synagogue’ Was Raided By Soldiers, Arrested Worshipers On Sabbath

Government forces reportedly terrified people with gunfire before transporting worshipers to an undisclosed location, according to Gazette Africa.

“Among those arrested is the leader of the Association of Jewish Faith Synagogue, who was mistreated and taken away,” stated a witness at the scene.

“They’re being accused of being Biafra supporters,” the eyewitness stated.

The Jewish worshipers are tied up and pushed into military vans in one of the hazy videos circulating on social media depicting government forces at the synagogue premises during the invasion.

Meanwhile, human rights activists have condemned the raids and arrests as unconstitutional and a violation of religious freedom.

Last year, government soldiers in the Biafra region demolished six synagogues and arrested scores of worshipers in a series of raids.