Redeemed Church Set Ablaze by Arsonists in Niger [Photos]

A devastating fire has ravaged the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) in Kontagora, Niger State, leaving the building in ruins. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, is the second time the church has been set ablaze by unknown arsonists in the past 10 years.

In 2014, the church was similarly attacked, with warnings from the perpetrators that the building should not be completed. Despite this, the church continued to worship, only to face another brutal attack.

Condemning the latest incident, the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the attack as “barbaric and uncalled for.” He urged the government and security agencies to take swift action to address the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Pastor Samson Ogbebor, an Assistant Pastor of the church, recounted the devastating scene, saying, “The church has faced numerous challenges, including a previous attack 10 years ago. We rebuilt it, but now it’s been burnt down again, and properties have been looted.”

Elder John Aboje, a member of the church, appealed to the authorities to take the incident seriously and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. The incident has been reported to the police, and an investigation is underway.

The church’s resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of its congregation. Despite the devastating loss, members of the church remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to their community.

As the investigation unfolds, the people of Niger State and beyond are left to grapple with the implications of such a heinous act. The attack on the Redeemed Church is not only an assault on a place of worship but also an affront to the very fabric of society.

The call to action is clear: swift justice must be served, and measures must be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The people of Niger State deserve to live in peace, free from the fear of violence and intimidation.

As the church begins the process of rebuilding, it is clear that the road ahead will be long and challenging. But with faith, determination, and the support of the community, the Redeemed Church will rise again, stronger and more resilient than ever.