Suspected hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday looted items and set ablaze the Redeemed Christian Church of God located along the Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State.
It was gathered that a similar incident occurred 10 years ago when the church was set ablaze by some unknown arsonists who had warned that the church building should not be completed.
Condemning the latest attack on the church, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the incident as barbaric and uncalled for.
He noted, “There is freedom of worship in Niger State, I am sure by the time the government and security agencies take action, it will go a long way to address any form of tension that may want to escalate beyond control.
“We are hoping that the law will take its course. To be frank, issues like this must be tamed and people who have done this should be fished out and made to face the law.”
Also, when contacted, an Assistant Pastor of the church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, explained that the incident occurred around 3:00 am on Saturday.
He stated that he got a distress call that the church was on fire. According to him, “On getting there, I met a church that has been in existence for the past 20 years now burnt down and properties looted by hoodlums.
“This church has faced lots of challenges. About 10 years ago, hoodlums came and burnt it down completely and with self efforts we were able to erect it again.
“They have made several unsuccessful attempts and have refused us the permission to roof it properly and we decided to be using it like that for worship but look at what they have done again.”
Also, an Elder in the church, Mr John Aboje, said members of the church will not be discouraged by the incident but will continue to be good Christians and good citizens of the country.
He appealed to Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II and all relevant security agencies to treat the incident with all seriousness.
“The incident has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora for investigation and to bring the perpetrators to book,” he added.
In reaction, Governor Umaru Bago condemned the burning of the Church.
Bago, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, issued on Sunday in Minna, described the attack on the Church “as mindless and cowardly.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he said the barbaric act of burning and looting of the Church was not only an attack on the Christian community, but a direct affront to the peace and unity cherished in the state.
Bago said: “We totally condemn this act and tell our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as other Niger inhabitants that the government prioritises their safety, security, and freedom of religion.
“Our state utilises its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not condone this act of violence,” he said.
The governor said he had directed all the relevant security agencies to conduct an immediate and complete inquiry into the incident.
He vowed that the perpetrators of the horrible act would be caught and duly prosecuted.
Bago urged the people of Kontagora to be calm and refrain from reprisal attacks while they should continue to work to preserve the peace and togetherness as one nation.
He said his administration would continue to take all the necessary precautions to protect all places of worship in order to prevent the recurrence of such regrettable and reprehensible acts.
Bago also called on the residents of the state to be watchful and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to avoid further occurrences of such heinous atrocities.
He pledged the state government’s support to the members of the affected Church and the broader Christian community. (NAN)
Theresa Arike
