A Nigerian woman allegedly suffered severe burns after being set on fire by a pastor who reportedly attempted to perform a deliverance, a spiritual effort to rid a person of demonic evil. The deliverance of 21-year-old victim Sukura Owodunni is said to have happened in August in the Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria.
Owodunni allegedly met a pastor at the Cherubin and Seraphim Maberu Parish for what PUNCH Metro called a “special prayer at the pastor’s invitation.” Allegedly, the preacher performing the deliverance told the woman to bring eggs, perfume, and a candle. The faith leader is said to have placed the perfume on the victim before lighting the candle and starting the fire that severely burned her.
The unfortunate case led to an arrest, as the victim faced medical needs due to what happened. SP Omolola Odutola, a public relations officer for the authorities, told PUNCH Metro that the investigation is ongoing. According to Odutola, Owodunni was “abandoned” to cover medical expenses after needing hospitalization to treat her severe burns. She said, “Our men have arrested the suspect. The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after the preliminary investigation is perfected.”
Some of the details of the case are still emerging, but it should be noted that deliverance ministry, the casting out of demons, doesn’t typically involve such tactics or tools. Many who partake look to the Bible to continue Jesus’ ministry of spiritually healing those afflicted by evil. The rise of deliverance ministry in some quarters is growing, though the broader concepts of demonic oppression and possession have been discussed in Christian and secular sectors for millennia.
Mike Signorelli, pastor of V1 Church in New York City, recently told CBN’s Faithwire about his deliverance efforts, responded to critics’ questions, and explored what it means to achieve spiritual healing. Earlier this year, Signorelli said, “The word ‘deliverance’ is not in the Bible; it’s a newer word. You’re not going to find a deliverance ministry in the Bible. What you will find is Jesus casting out demons, you’re going to find His disciples casting out demons, you’re going to find Him commissioning 70 people to go do it.”
While the removal of evil is seen throughout the Bible, the allegations in this story remind us of the importance of sticking to Scripture and ensuring safety when dealing with such sensitive issues.