Suspected hoodlums set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) in Kontagora, Niger State on Saturday.
This is the second time in ten years that the church has been destroyed over a dispute about its location.
The attackers have vowed that the church will not be completed unless it is moved to another location.
Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago and the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, have both condemned the attack.
Bago, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, called the attack “mindless, barbaric, and cowardly.”
He said, “The barbaric act committed by hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday, which resulted in the burning and looting of the church, is not only an attack on the Christian community but also a direct affront to the peace and unity that we cherish in Niger State.”
He continued, “We totally condemn this act and tell our Christian brothers and sisters as well as other Niger State inhabitants that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion. We will not condone this stupid act of violence.”
Governor Bago has directed security agencies to investigate the incident and hopes the perpetrators will be found and prosecuted. He urged residents to stay calm and avoid violence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace.
Most Reverend Yohanna also spoke out against the attack, calling it “barbaric” and “uncalled for.”
He said, “This is a painful thing to the Christian community. We hope the government will take proper action and ensure the culprits are brought to justice.”
Assistant Pastor Samson Ogbebor reported that the fire started around 3 a.m. on Saturday.
He said, “I got a distress call that our Church was on fire. When I arrived, I found our church, which has been here for 20 years, being burned down and properties looted by hoodlums.”
Ogbebor added, “This Church has faced many challenges. About 10 years ago, it was completely burned down. With our own efforts, we rebuilt it. They have made several unsuccessful attempts and refused us permission to finish roofing it properly. Now they have destroyed it again.”
The church has been a target of violence due to ongoing disputes over its location.
