A fire destroyed the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Champion Zonal Headquarters, located along the Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State. The fire was allegedly caused by unidentified arsonists, marking the second time in a decade that the church has been targeted by such an attack.
According to an Assistant Pastor of the church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, the incident occurred around 3:00 am. He received a distress call informing him that the church was on fire.
“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,” Pastor Ogbebor recounted.
He further explained that this was not the first time the church had faced such challenges, as it was also burned down by unknown attackers ten years ago.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has condemned the attack. The state chairman, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the incident as “barbaric and uncalled for.”
He noted that Niger State upholds freedom of worship and urged the government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further tension in the community.
“We are hoping that the law will take its course,” he said, adding that those responsible should be brought to justice.
In response to the incident, an elder of the church, Mr. John Aboje, expressed that the church members would not be discouraged.
He stressed their commitment to remaining good Christians and law-abiding citizens. Mr. Aboje also called on Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and all relevant security agencies to address the situation with urgency.
