Arsonists burn down Redeemed Church in Niger

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters), located in Kontagora, Niger State, along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road, was set on fire by an unidentified individual.

The event happened early on Saturday morning.

There were rumours that a similar tragedy happened ten years ago when some unknown arsonists burned down the church after warning that the construction shouldn’t be completed.

The state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, condemned the most recent attack on the church, calling it unnecessary and brutal.

He noted, “There is freedom of worship in Niger State, 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 that may want to escalate beyond control.

“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.”

Additionally, when contacted, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, the church’s assistant pastor, said that the incident happened on Saturday at around three in the morning.

He claimed to have received a distress call alerting him to the church’s fire. According to him, “On getting there, I met a church that has been in existence for the past 20 years now burnt down and properties looted by hoodlums.

“This church has faced lots of challenges. About 10 years ago, hoodlums came and burnt it down completely and with self efforts we were able to erect it again.

“They have made several unsuccessful attempts and have refused us the permission to roof it properly and we decided to be using it like that for worship but look at what they have done again.”

Additionally, Mr. John Aboje, an elder in the church, stated that despite the occurrence, churchgoers will not be deterred from becoming decent people and Christians.

He urged the pertinent security agencies, Governor Umaru Bago, and Kontagora’s Emir, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, to handle the situation seriously.

“The incident has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora for investigation and to bring the perpetrators to book,” he added.

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