In a distressing incident early Saturday morning, suspected arsonists set ablaze the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State.
This marks the second time in ten years that the church has been targeted by attackers. A decade ago, unidentified assailants destroyed the building and issued threats against its reconstruction.
Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, condemned the attack as barbaric and unprovoked.
Expressing the deep pain felt by the Christian community, Rev. Yohanna called on the government to take swift and decisive action to apprehend those responsible. “There is freedom of worship in Niger State,” he said. “Prompt action by the government and security agencies is crucial to prevent further escalation of tension.”
Rev. Yohanna emphasized the need for the law to take its course, urging that the perpetrators be held accountable to curb future incidents.
Pastor Samson Ogbebor, the assistant pastor of the church, recounted the harrowing event, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday. “I received a call that our church was on fire,” Pastor Ogbebor recalled. “When I arrived, I found our 20-year-old church completely destroyed, with properties looted by the attackers.”
Pastor Ogbebor noted that this was not the first time the church had faced such adversity. “Ten years ago, hoodlums burned it down completely, and we rebuilt 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,” he said.
John Aboje, a church member, expressed resolve in the face of the attack, affirming that the congregation 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.”
Very Rev. Father John Gado, the Coordinator of CAN in Kontagora, praised the restraint shown by Governor Mohammed Bago, the state CAN Chairman, and other stakeholders during the recent EndBadGovernance protest, noting that it prevented further harm. He 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.
