In the early hours of Saturday, August 10, 2024, unidentified hoodlums set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters), located along Federal College of Education (FCE) road in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
This incident marks the second time in a decade that the church has been targeted, as it was previously burned down by unknown individuals who had warned against the completion of the building.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kontagora Catholic Church, strongly condemned the attack. Yohanna described the act as barbaric and uncalled for, emphasizing the necessity for the government to ensure that the culprits are apprehended and brought to justice.
“There is freedom of worship in Niger State. I am confident that with appropriate action from the government and security agencies, this will help address and prevent any further escalation of tension,” Yohanna stated. He added,
“We hope that the law will take its course. Issues like this must be controlled, and those responsible should be identified and held accountable.”
Pastor Samson Ogbebor, an Assistant Pastor at the church, reported that the fire began around 3:00 am. He received a distress call about the fire and arrived to find the church, which had been serving the community for 20 years, in ruins with property looted by the attackers.
Pastor Ogbebor recounted that the church had previously faced similar destruction about 10 years ago, when hoodlums had completely burned it down. Despite numerous challenges and unsuccessful attempts to prevent further attacks, the congregation had managed to rebuild and continue worshiping.
“They had made several unsuccessful attempts to hinder us, including denying us permission to properly roof the church. Now, they have destroyed it again,” he lamented.
An Elder of the church, Mr. John Aboje, urged the community to remain steadfast in their faith and continue their commitment as good Christians and citizens of Nigeria. He called on the government and the Kontagora Emirate Council to address the issue to uphold the freedom of worship.
In response, the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, appealed to the State Governor, Umaru Bago, and relevant security agencies to treat the incident with the utmost seriousness.
The Emir confirmed that the incident had been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora, and an investigation has been launched to bring the perpetrators to justice.
