Armed robbers on Thursday morning attacked the Assemblies of God Church branch in Abakaliki, raped a girl and shot another.

Some youths belonging to the drama unit of the church, were said to be having an all-night rehearsal in preparation for a drama programme on Friday when they were attacked between 1am and 2am by the hoodlums.

A source told our correspondent that while they raped one of the girls, they shot another who resisted their attempts to have carnal knowledge of her in the laps

They also reportedly stole some equipment belonging to the church.

Our correspondent, who visited the church, did not see the pastor in charge, but one of the elders of the church, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident.

He said, “Yes what you heard is true; we were notified on the incident this morning. Our pastor is not available now.

“However the matter has been reported to the police and the girls have been taken to hospital for treatment.

The police spokesman in the state, Mrs Loveth Odah, said she had yet to be briefed about the incident.