Unknown individuals set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) located along the Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State, in the early hours of Saturday.
This attack mirrors a similar incident that took place 10 years ago when the same church was burned down by unidentified arsonists who had previously warned that the building should not be completed.
Reacting to the latest attack, the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and unjustifiable. He emphasized that Niger State upholds freedom of worship and expressed confidence that government and security agencies would take necessary actions to prevent any escalation of tensions.
Pastor Samson Ogbebor, an assistant pastor of the church, recounted that the incident occurred around 3:00 am. He received a distress call that the church, which has been in existence for 20 years, was on fire, with properties looted by hoodlums. The church had faced multiple challenges over the years, including a similar arson attack a decade ago.
Despite this setback, an elder in the church, Mr. John Aboje, affirmed that the congregation would remain undeterred and continue to practice their faith as good Christians and citizens. He called on Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and relevant security agencies to take the incident seriously.
The incident has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora, and an investigation is underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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