An assistant pastor was killed, and a church was completely burnt after unidentified attackers invaded a place of worship in the Idimu area of Lagos State.

The incident occurred at about 9.30 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the God of Truth Covenant Evangelical Church on Akinbolade Street, off Arobaba Street, Idimu.

The attackers reportedly stormed the church premises and assaulted some of the workers before setting the building on fire.

The blaze destroyed the church’s property, including musical instruments, the public address system and chairs.

The assistant pastor, identified as Pastor Gbenga Komolafe, was reportedly killed during the attack.

Residents in the area said the assailants left the scene after the attack in two Danfo buses.

Police officers from Area M Command, Idimu, reportedly arrived at the church shortly after the attackers had fled.

The circumstances surrounding the attack were unclear at the time, and no reason had been established for the assault on the church or the killing of the assistant pastor.

The incident left residents in the area concerned, particularly because of the violent nature of the attack and the extent of the damage caused to the church.

The attack also raised questions about the motive of the assailants, who not only attacked people at the premises but deliberately set the building and its contents on fire.

There was no immediate information on whether the attackers had targeted Pastor Komolafe specifically or whether his death occurred during the wider assault on the church.

Police authorities had yet to publicly identify those responsible or disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident.

When The Guardian reached out to the Area M Command, details of the investigation, including the motive for the attack and the identities of the assailants, were also unavailable immediately.