Umaru Bago, the Governor of Niger State, has criticized the burning of the church building of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Kontagora town by suspected hoodlums.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, in Minna, the state capital on Sunday, Bago described the attack on the church as “mindless and cowardly.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, suspected hoodlums looted items and set fire to the church situated along the Federal College of Education Road in Kontagora in the early hours of Saturday.
The governor emphasized that the burning and looting of the church not only targeted the Christian community but also posed a direct threat to the peace and unity valued in the state.
Bago stated, “We completely condemn this act and assure our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as all residents of Niger, that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and religious freedom.”
He added, “Our state leverages its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not tolerate this violence.”
The governor confirmed that he had instructed all relevant security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident.
He vowed to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this dreadful act.
Bago urged the people of Kontagora to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and unity as one nation.
He assured that his administration would continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard all places of worship to prevent such unfortunate incidents from happening again.
Bago also encouraged the state’s residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities to prevent further occurrences of such heinous acts.
He pledged the state government’s assistance to the affected Church members and the wider Christian community.
NAN.