Gov Bago, Shehu Sani Condemn Attack On RCCG Church In Niger State

Human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has condemned the recent burning of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building in Kontagora, Niger State.

The church located along the Federal College of Education Road in Kontagora was reportedly looted and set ablaze by suspected hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday.

Reacting via his X page on Monday, Sani wrote, “The burning down of the RCCG church in Kontagora, Niger State on Saturday by hoodlums is condemnable”

Senator Sani’s reaction follows a similar statement from Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, who on Sunday criticised the attack as “mindless and cowardly.”

The governor, through his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, expressed concern over the incident and described it as a direct assault on the Christian community and a threat to the state’s peace and unity.

Governor Bago said, “The burning and looting of the church is not just an attack on a place of worship, but a direct affront to the peace and unity cherished in our state.

“We totally condemn this act and assure our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as all Niger inhabitants, that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion.”

The governor stressed that Niger State values its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. He assured that the government would not tolerate any acts of violence that threaten this harmony.

“Our state utilises its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not condone this act of violence,” Bago said.

The governor urged security agencies to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

He urged the residents of Kontagora to remain calm and avoid any reprisal attacks, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and unity in the community.

“We will continue to take all necessary precautions to protect all places of worship to prevent the recurrence of such regrettable and reprehensible acts,” Bago stated, pledging the state government’s support to the members of the affected church and the broader Christian community.

The governor also called on residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities to prevent further occurrences of such heinous acts.