That night, Pr. Akera wrestled in spirit with the forces of darkness, his prayers echoing through the village. Strange shooting streaks illuminated the sky, and the village elders watched in awe as lights moved across their heads. Meanwhile, the women chanted softly in their huts, while the children slept peacefully. Akera's intercession prayers grew more fervent, and suddenly, fire engulfed the police station where Wani was held captive.
The night became even more horrific with strange happenings that baffled the villagers. A coffin box shone brightly above the chief's head, visible in Okelu village. Men and women murmured in fear for their lives, unable to understand the unfolding events. Pr. Akera encouraged them to have faith, and soon, voices descended from the sky with temple messages that only he could understand. The voices seemed to empower Akera, and he walked from his hut to the chief's, where the coffin hovered brightly. With authority, he commanded, "I command you to come down in the name of Jesus." The coffin disappeared, and the villagers watched in awe.
However, Akera praised God as some women joined him in worshipping God. There was silence in the sky, and the village trembled in the night's calmness. Akera and the women retreated to bed after informing them about the morning plans.
As dawn approached, Pr. Akera woke up to find the coffin lying at his door. He was amazed but not discouraged because he knew his God had already delivered the village. He called for the chief and the parents of the deceased to come and collect the coffin. He blessed the coffin and told them to prepare for burial, but to do so after they had returned from Kenyi's village.
While they were
planning to go to Kenyi's village, a police officer arrived and met them.
"Wani escaped when a fire struck the cell," he told them while
trembling. Pr. Akera consoled the officer, "Do not be afraid; we shall
find Wani at his home, waiting for us. Let us proceed to the riverside, where
the final battle awaits. We must confront the forces of darkness and claim
victory for the sake of our village's freedom."
Encouraged by Pr. Akera’s exhortation, the whole followed him to see what would happen. As Pr. Akera led the procession, two villagers, fueled by fear and superstition, broke away and attacked Wani, beating him mercilessly. Wani's cries echoed through the air as he was left battered and bruised, a victim of the villagers' unfounded rage.
When the villagers arrived, Pastor Akera demanded that Wani be resuscitated and given some relief. “If anybody puts his hands on Wani again, the wrath of God will consume him.” He warned them as Wani pleaded for mercy unconsciously. Kenyi’s village chief stepped forward and urged the people to listen to the god of Pastor Akera. He cautioned that those who would disobey would face the wrath of the village elders when the right time comes. “We are getting better from the previous terror; let us listen to what the man of God tells us.” He concluded.
After Wani regained his consciousness, the chief asked two men to take him to the nearby village herbalist to treat him while they prepared to join the man of God at the riverside. Pastor Akera instructed the villagers to get ready. He made some Bible devotions and urged them to consecrate themselves, as the remaining battle requires total obedience to the God who created the universe. They worshipped God and moved to the riverside.
