Unidentified individuals have set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) located along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday 10th August.
Reports indicate that a similar attack occurred a decade ago when unknown arsonists set the church ablaze, warning against its completion.
Reacting to the recent attack, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, condemned the act, calling it barbaric and unjustifiable. He told Daily Post: “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.”
Assistant pastor of the church, pastor Samson Ogbebor, confirmed to the outlet that the fire occurred around 3:00 AM on Saturday. He received a distress call about the blaze and arrived to find the church, which had stood for 20 years, completely burned and its property looted.
He explained: "This church has faced numerous challenges. Ten years ago, it was burned down by hoodlums, and we rebuilt it with our own efforts. Despite several failed attempts to damage it again, and restrictions on properly roofing it, we continued to use it for worship. Now, it has been destroyed once more."
Elder John Aboje, a member of the church, expressed that the congregation would not be deterred by the incident and would continue to practice their faith and contribute positively to society. He urged Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and relevant security agencies to take the incident seriously.
In response, The Niger State Government strongly condemned the arson attack.
Governor Mohammed Bago labeled the attack as a “direct assault on the peace and unity” of the State, emphasising the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and religious freedom of its citizens. He instructed security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation, vowing that those responsible would be held accountable.
The Governor has called for calm and restraint among the people of Kontagora and Niger State. He assured that the government would take all necessary steps to protect houses of worship and prevent such incidents in the future.