Some unidentified persons have gone on the rampage, burning down the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) situated along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday.
It was gathered that a similar incident occurred 10 years ago when the church was set ablaze by some unknown arsonists who had warned that the church building should not be completed.
Condemning the latest attack on the church, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the incident as barbaric and uncalled for.
He noted, “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.”
Also, when contacted, an Assistant Pastor of the church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, explained that the incident occurred around 3:00 am on Saturday.
He stated that he got a distress call that the church was on fire. According to him, “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.”
Also, an Elder in the church, Mr John Aboje, said members of the church will not be discouraged by the incident but will continue to be good Christians and good citizens of the country.
He appealed to Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II and all relevant security agencies to treat the incident with all seriousness.
“The incident has been reported to the Division ‘A’ Police Station in Kontagora for investigation and to bring the perpetrators to book,” he added.