Hoodlums attacked several churches, looting, and damaging properties under the guise of the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance in Katsina State.

On the first day of the protest, the Living Faith Church in Daura Local Government Area was targeted.

According to Vanguard, the attackers damaged the newly renovated church, stealing valuables and breaking doors and windows.

Pastor David Jatau Sarki confirmed the incident, saying, “It happened around 10:00 am. The hoodlums, many of them in Keke Napep (tricycles), chased the church’s security guard away, broke the doors and windows, and entered the auditorium. They destroyed everything inside, including the pulpits.”

The stolen items include three plasma TVs, musical instruments, over 205 plastic chairs, the pastor’s chairs, a desktop computer, a digital clock, and a scoreboard used for keeping church documents.

Pastor Jato added that the damages were so extensive that the church could not hold its Sunday service. “We had to worship in our various home cells instead,” he said.

The attackers also targeted the Deeper Life Church but did not succeed in breaking into the Anglican Church due to strong security at the gate.

“This is unacceptable and must be condemned,” Pastor Jato said. “We’ve informed the police and the Army, and the police told us they have made some arrests.”

In the Katsina State Capital, the Power of Resurrection Church was also vandalized by the same group of hoodlums.

Former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Katsina, Rev. Nelson Onyekachuku, condemned the violence.

“The government needs to address these issues and ensure the protection of places of worship,” he said.