Fifteen persons between ages 19 and 50 were Thursday night rescued from chains at an illegal healing church in Isheri-Osun, Egbe Idimu LCDA of Lagos.

Situated at 26, Alafia Street, Oriofe Ijegun Isheri, the place known as Blessings of Goodness Healing Church was operated by one Prophet
Joseph Ojo, 58.

It was gathered some of the victims comprising males and females, have been chained for over four years and could barely walk when they were rescued.

Some of the victims, it was learnt, suffered certain health challenges and were thereafter dumped at the facility by their families for spiritual healing.

Policemen acting on tip-off had stormed the place around 6:10pm and arrested Ojo with 10 other suspects.

According to police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) the prophet admitted to have been in the healing ministry since 1986, adding that he chaimed them to prevent their escaping.

He said: “Some of the victims were said to have spent five years in the detention camp. They are between ages 19 and 50.

“Some of them where brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases. The Prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986.

“Investigation is ongoing. Police are working closely with other agencies of government to provide adequate medical attention and shelter to the victims.”

The Nation reports that the discovery came on the heels of police raids of various religious centres especially in Kaduna State where victims were held captive and treated poorly.
-Nation