A viral and disturbing video has set social media abuzz after showing the shocking moment a pastor allegedly performed a bizarre ritual by setting a live he-goat on fire during a church service.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during a special deliverance session, captured the pastor placing the animal on the church altar before igniting it in front of stunned worshippers.
In the footage, the goat could be seen tied and struggling as flames engulfed it while church members watched, with some recording the scene on their phones. The pastor, believed to be from a yet-to-be-identified ministry, appeared unfazed as he continued chanting prayers amid the smoke.
The video has since gone viral across various social media platforms, sparking outrage among netizens who described the act as inhumane, cruel, and a total deviation from Christian teachings.
Concerned Nigerians and animal rights advocates have condemned the act, calling for the pastor’s arrest and immediate investigation by relevant authorities.
Massive outrage and condemnation trail the incident
Social media users have flooded the comment sections of multiple posts sharing the video, questioning how such practices are allowed within a house of worship.
Some commenters expressed disbelief that congregants could stand by and watch such an act without intervening, while others urged law enforcement agencies and religious bodies to take strict action against such “dangerous spiritual practices.”
A user wrote: “This is not deliverance. This is wickedness in the name of religion. That pastor should be arrested immediately.”
Another added: “Imagine burning a living creature in church and calling it sacrifice. What exactly are we turning our places of worship into?”
Calls for government intervention and stricter regulation
Civil rights groups and human rights organizations have joined the call for justice, urging the government to monitor the activities of unregistered churches where questionable rituals are performed under the guise of spiritual deliverance.
They emphasized that acts of animal cruelty have no place in modern society, regardless of religious justification, and that such reckless behavior poses serious risks to human lives and property.
Meanwhile, local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and it remains unclear whether the pastor involved has been identified or apprehended.
Observers say this shocking incident highlights the urgent need for oversight and accountability within certain religious institutions to prevent further abuse and ensure safety during worship gatherings.
Watch the viral video below…
Trending video captures the moment a Pastor allegedly set a live he-goat ablaze on the church altar during service, sparking outrage nationwide.
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) October 20, 2025