suspected arsonists set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) located along Federal College of Education (FCE) road in Kontagora, Niger State in the early hours of today (Sunday).
This is the second time in a decade that the church has been targeted by unknown attackers, who previously burned it down ten years ago, warning that it should not be rebuilt.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has strongly condemned the attack. Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the state CAN Chairman, described the incident as barbaric and deeply painful for the Christian community.
He urged the government to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of worship in the state.
“There is freedom of worship in Niger State, and I am confident that if the government and security agencies act decisively, it will help prevent any escalation of tension,” Rev. Yohanna stated in a telephone interview. “The law must take its course, and those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable.”
An Assistant Pastor of the church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, recounted that the fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Saturday. “I received a distress call informing me that our church was on fire. When I arrived, I found that the church, which has stood for 20 years, had been completely destroyed, and valuable properties were looted by hoodlums,” he said. He also mentioned that the church had faced numerous challenges over the years, including an earlier arson attack a decade ago. Despite efforts to rebuild, the church had been subjected to repeated attempts to hinder its proper restoration.
Elder John Aboje, a member of the church, expressed the congregation’s resolve to remain steadfast in their faith. “We will not be deterred by this incident. We simply ask the government and the local emirate to ensure that freedom of worship is respected,” he said.
The incident has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora, and the church leaders are appealing to Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and relevant security agencies to take the matter seriously and bring those responsible to justice.
Very Rev. Fr. Musa John Gado, Coordinator of CAN in Kontagora, commended the efforts of Governor Bago, the state CAN Chairman, and other stakeholders for their restraint during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, which could have escalated into further violence. He urged Christians to remain calm and continue their worship peacefully, assuring them that the matter would be taken up with the state CAN for further action.
