Police have taken 23 villagers of Vanuakula, Rakiraki into custody who allegedly attacked church members of Namara, Saivou and Na-korovou on Thursday and for also allegedly gang raping a 17yr old girl.

Police at this stage are questioning the men and charges are expected later today.

The 23 men face allegation of assult and rape.

The villagers of Na-Korovou, Namara and Saivou were practising for a crusade organised by the Assembly of God Church when the incident took place. The attackers did not like the idea of having the crusade.

The people were stoned, bashed up and were chased away while they were practising and playing drums.

A 17yr old girl, who was also in the singing group claimed that she was raped by two villagers during the attack.