Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, expressed strong disapproval of the torching of the church building belonging to the Redeemed Christian Church of God by suspected hoodlums in Kontagora town.
In a statement released on Sunday in Minna, the state capital, by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, Bago described the attack on the church as “mindless and cowardly.”
Suspected hoodlums looted items and set fire to the church, located along the Federal College of Education Road in Kontagora, in the early hours of Saturday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The governor emphasized that the burning and looting of the church not only targeted the Christian community but also directly challenged the peace and unity valued in the state.
Bago stated, “We strongly condemn this act and assure our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as other residents of Niger, that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion.
He added, “Our state thrives on its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not tolerate this violence.”
The governor directed all relevant security agencies to promptly and thoroughly investigate the incident, vowing to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the atrocious act.
Bago urged the people of Kontagora to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks, emphasizing the importance of working together to maintain peace and unity in the nation.
He reassured that his administration will take necessary measures to protect all places of worship to prevent such reprehensible incidents from happening again.
Bago called on state residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities to prevent similar heinous crimes.
He pledged the government’s support to the affected church members and the wider Christian community in the state.
NAN.