The incident marks the second time in ten years that the church has been targeted.
Suspected hoodlums set ablaze the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) located along the Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State.
Saturday’s incident marks the second time in ten years that the church has been targeted with the previous incident occurring a decade ago when unidentified attackers burned down the building and warned against its reconstruction.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna condemned the latest attack, describing it as barbaric and uncalled for.
He expressed deep pain on behalf of the Christian community and urged the government to take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“There is freedom of worship in Niger State,” he stated. “I am confident that if the government and security agencies act promptly, it will help prevent any further escalation of tension.”
Rev. Yohanna emphasised the need for the law to take its course, stressing that such incidents must be curtailed and those responsible should be held accountable.
The assistant pastor of the church, Samson Ogbebor, recounted the distressing event which took place around 3 a.m. on Saturday.
“I received a call that our church was on fire,” he said. “Upon arrival, I found the church, which has stood for 20 years, completely destroyed, with properties looted by the attackers.”
Pastor Ogbebor recalled that this was not the first time the church had faced such challenges.
“About 10 years ago, hoodlums burned it down completely, and we managed to rebuild it with our own efforts. Despite numerous threats and being denied permission to properly roof the building, we continued to use it for worship. But now, it has been destroyed again,” the cleric said.
A member of the church John Aboje expressed determination in the face of the attack, stating that they would not be deterred from practicing their faith.
He called on the government and the Kontagora Emirate to uphold the right to freedom of worship.
“We urge Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and all relevant security agencies to take this incident seriously,” he said.
“The matter has been reported to the ‘A’ Division Police station in Kontagora, and we hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
The Coordinator of CAN in Kontagora Very Rev. Father John Gado praised the efforts of Governor Mohammed Bago, the state CAN Chairman, and other stakeholders for their restraint during the EndBadGovernance protest.
He noted that it prevented further harm. The preacher encouraged Christians to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast in their faith, assuring them that the issue would be escalated to the state CAN for further action.
