In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) in Kontagora, Niger State, was engulfed in flames. This tragic event, occurring around 3:00 am, has devastated the church community, as the building was completely destroyed and its properties looted by the attackers.
This is not the first time the church has faced such violence. Ten years ago, it was also set on fire by unknown arsonists who had warned against completing the church’s construction. Despite these threats and previous attacks, the church had managed to rebuild and continue its activities, though it faced ongoing challenges, including difficulties in obtaining proper permits for roofing.
The recent attack has sparked outrage and condemnation from local leaders. Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, called the incident “barbaric” and “unacceptable.” He stressed the importance of protecting religious freedom and urged the government and security agencies to take decisive action to prevent further escalation and bring those responsible to justice.
Pastor Samson Ogbebor, an assistant pastor at the church, received a distress call about the fire and arrived to find the church in ruins. He expressed his frustration and sadness over the repeated attacks, noting that the church had been a pillar of the community for the past 20 years.
Elder John Aboje, a member of the church, assured that the congregation would not be disheartened by the destruction. He called on Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and other relevant security agencies to address the incident with the seriousness it deserves. The attack has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the culprits.
As the church community grapples with this latest setback, their resolve remains strong. They continue to uphold their faith and commitment to their religious practices despite the repeated attempts to hinder their worship.
