Unknown Gunmen set RCCG Church on fire
Some unidentified individuals have burned down the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) located along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday.
It was reported that a similar event happened 10 years ago when unknown arsonists set the church ablaze, having previously warned that the church building should not be completed.
Condemning the recent attack, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, called the incident barbaric and unjustifiable.
He said, “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.”
Pastor Samson Ogbebor, an Assistant Pastor at the church, detailed that the fire began around 3:00 am on Saturday. He received a distress call about the church being on fire and said, “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.”
Mr. John Aboje, an Elder in the church, stated that members will remain undeterred and continue to be good Christians and citizens.
He urged Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and all relevant security agencies to address the incident 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.
