- Blames Attack On Religious Extremists
By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state chapter, has condemned, in strong terms, the setting ablaze of the zonal headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) situated along the Federal College of Education (FCE) road in Kontagora, Niger state by suspected religious extremist group in the area.
The fire attack was allegedly unleashed at the foremost Pentecostal church early morning Saturday, August 10, 2024.
The State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna who expressed sadness over the incident, said it is a direct attack on the Christian community, and therefore called for the intervention of the state government and security agencies in bringing the perpetrators to book.
Describing the attack by a yet to be identified arsonists as barbaric and uncalled for and very painful to the Christian community, Bishop Yohanna solicited for the intervention of the state government to take proper action by ensuring that the culprits face the full wrath of the law.
The CAN chairman said he is surprised that anyone in the present day Nigeria would set a church on fire by undermining the secularity status of Nigeria.
“There is freedom of worship in Niger state and by large, Nigeria. 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.
“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”.
Giving account of the incident, the Assistant Pastor of the Church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, said the incident occurred around 3 am on Saturday. “I got a distress call that our Church was on fire and on getting there I met a church that has been in existence for the past 20 years being burnt down and properties therein looted by hoodlums".
Pastor Ogbebor lamented the level of hostility the church had faced over the years, adding that, “This Church has faced lots of challenges, sometimes about 10 years ago, some hoodlums came and burnt it down completely and with self efforts we were able to erect another.
“They had made several unsuccessful attempts and have refused us the permission to roof the church properly so we decided to be using it like that for worship but look at what they have done again today”.
Also speaking, one of the church Elders, Mr. John Aboje, said they are not deterred by the attack but will remain committed to worshipping God and will also continue to be good Christians and citizens of Nigeria.
He said, “We just want to plead with the state government and the Kontagora emirate to look into the issue by compelling the perpetrators to allow freedom of worship”.
While pleading with Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Mu'azu II urged the security agencies to treat the incident with all seriousness it deserved. He said the incident has been reported to the Division 'A' Police station in Kontagora for investigations and to bring perpetrators to book.
Findings however indicated that the church suffered similar attacks ten years ago by unidentified hoodlums.
It was also gathered that the faceless individuals behind the attack warned that the church building should not exist in the area or be completed. NNL.
