News
Niger State: RCCG building allegedly torched by hoodlums

Suspected hoodlums set fire to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Champion Zonal Headquarters in Kontagora, Niger State, on August 10, 2024.
This is the second time in ten years that the church has been targeted.
The first attack occurred a decade ago, when unidentified assailants burned down the building and threatened its reconstruction.
The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, condemned the recent attack as barbaric and unjustified.
He stated: “There is freedom of worship in Niger State.
“I am confident that if the government and security agencies act promptly, it will help prevent any further escalation of tension.
The church’s assistant pastor, Samson Ogbebor, described the distressing event that occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday.
He stated: “I received a call that our church was on fire.
“Upon arrival, I found the church, which has stood for 20 years, completely destroyed, with properties looted by the attackers.”
Pastor Ogbebor noted that this was not the first instance of the church facing such challenges.
“About 10 years ago, hoodlums burned it down completely, and we managed to rebuild it with our own efforts.
“Despite numerous threats and being denied permission to properly roof the building, we continued to use it for worship.
“But now, it has been destroyed again,” the pastor stated.
Congregation call for justice and freedom of worship
Church member John Aboje expressed resolve despite the attack, affirming that they would remain steadfast in their faith.
He urged the government and the Kontagora Emirate to protect the right to freedom of worship.
“We urge Governor Umaru Bago, the Emir of Kontagora, Muhammadu Barau Mu’azu II, and all relevant security agencies to take this incident seriously.
“The matter has been reported to the ‘A’ Division Police station in Kontagora, and we hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice”, he said.
The Coordinator of CAN in Kontagora, Very Rev. Father John Gado, encouraged Christians to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast in their faith.
He assured them that the issue would be escalated to the state CAN for further action.
Attacks on churches in Niger State
Persecution of Christians and the torching of churches in Niger State have been significant issues, particularly in the context of ongoing religious and ethnic tensions in Nigeria.
Niger State, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, has a diverse population that includes both Muslims and Christians.
The state’s religious composition has led to tensions, especially in areas where the two communities are in close proximity.
Over the years, these tensions have occasionally erupted into violence, with Christian communities often being the targets.
Notable instances
Pandogari Riots (2016): One of the most notable instances occurred in May 2016 in Pandogari, a town in Niger State.
The violence began after a Christian man was accused of making blasphemous comments against Islam on social media.
This accusation led to riots in which at least four people were killed, and several churches were set ablaze.
The violence spread quickly, leading to a curfew being imposed by the state government.
The incident highlighted the fragile nature of religious coexistence in Niger State and the ease with which violence could be incited.
Attacks on Churches in 2017: In 2017, there were multiple reports of attacks on Christian communities in the state, particularly in areas where they are in the minority.
These attacks often involved the burning of churches and homes, leading to the displacement of hundreds of people.
In one such attack, the St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Bakin Iku was set on fire by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The attackers also destroyed properties belonging to church members, further exacerbating the crisis.
Kafin-Koro Church Burning (2023): Another significant incident occurred in January 2023 in Kafin-Koro.
The St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church was torched by unidentified assailants.
This attack came amidst a wider wave of violence against Christian communities in the state.
The burning of the church sparked outrage and condemnation from various Christian organizations, both within and outside Niger State.
The incident was part of a broader pattern of targeted violence against Christians, often motivated by religious intolerance.
Response and challenges of Niger State government
The Niger State government has repeatedly condemned these acts of violence and promised to protect all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
However, the effectiveness of these efforts has been questioned, as many communities continue to experience fear and insecurity.
The state has struggled to provide adequate security, particularly in remote areas where these attacks often occur.
The lack of effective law enforcement has allowed perpetrators to act with impunity, leading to a cycle of violence and retribution.
In conclusion, church burnings in Niger State highlight deep-rooted religious intolerance and struggles for dominance within certain communities.
The state has seen multiple instances of violence, with significant loss of life and property.
Addressing these issues requires not only stronger security measures but also efforts to foster inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
As Niger State continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for lasting solutions becomes increasingly urgent.
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