In the early hours of Saturday, unidentified individuals set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) located along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State. This incident marks the second time in a decade that the church has been targeted by arsonists.
It was gathered that ten years ago, the same church was burned down by unknown assailants who had previously warned against the completion of the church building. Despite these challenges, the congregation managed to rebuild the structure, only to see it destroyed once again.
The state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unwarranted. He emphasised the importance of freedom of worship in Niger State and urged the government and security agencies to take swift action to prevent the situation from escalating further.
“There is freedom of worship in Niger State. I am sure that by the time the government and security agencies take action, it will go a long way in addressing any form of tension that may want to escalate beyond control,” Rev. Yohanna stated. “We are hoping that the law will take its course. Issues like this must be tamed, and those responsible should be brought to justice.”
Pastor Samson Ogbebor, an Assistant Pastor of the church, revealed that the incident occurred around 3:00 am. He recounted receiving a distress call informing him that the church was on fire. Upon arrival, he found the church, which had stood for over 20 years, completely destroyed, with its properties looted by hoodlums.
“This church has faced numerous challenges,” Pastor Ogbebor explained. “About 10 years ago, hoodlums burnt it down completely. We managed to rebuild it through self-efforts, but they have made several unsuccessful attempts to stop us from roofing it properly. Now, they have done this again.”
Despite the setback, church members remain resolute. Elder John Aboje, a member of the church, expressed that the congregation would not be discouraged by the incident and vowed to continue practicing their faith and being good citizens. He called on Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and relevant security agencies to take the matter seriously.
The incident has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora for investigation, with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
