Arsonists Raze Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Champion Zonal Headquarters, is on FCE road, Kontagora, Niger State, and has been gutted by unknown persons early Saturday.
This marks the second time within a decade for arsonists to attack the church. The first was 10 years ago when unknown attackers set it on fire after threatening the completion of the building.
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The State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, strongly condemned this latest attack as barbaric and unjustifiable. He said that there was freedom to worship in Niger State and urged the government and security agencies to take decisive action to ensure the situation does not spiral out of control.
“There is freedom of worship in Niger State,” he said. “I am sure that by the time the government and security agencies take action, it will go a long way toward addressing any form of tension which may want to escalate beyond control. We are hoping that the law will take its course.”. Things like this should be tamed, and whoever has done that should be fished out to face the law.
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According to an Assistant Pastor of the church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, it occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. He reportedly received a distressed call that the church was on fire. On getting there, he said the building, which was about 20 years old, had been completely gutted by fire. The properties were carted away by miscreants.
“This church has gone through so many trials,” Pastor Ogbebor said. “It’s been about 10 years now, the hoodlums that came almost burned this place down, and by self-effort, we erected it again. They have made several fruitless efforts, and they have refused us permission to roof it properly. So, we decided to keep using it like that for worship. Now, look at what they have done again.”
Notwithstanding the demolition, one of the Elders of the church, Mr. John Aboje, declared that despite everything, they would not turn their backs on God. He reassured the people that no member of the church would feel discouraged by what had happened and they would continue to be good Christians and responsible citizens of the country.
Mr. Aboje further appealed to the acting governor, Umaru Bago; the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II; and all security agencies concerned to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
The incident was first reported at Division ‘A’ Police Station, Kontagora, while an investigation has commenced to apprehend the culprits.
