Fresh tension rocks Niger as assailants set popular church ablaze, possible reason emerges

• The Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) in Kontagora, Niger state was burnt down on Saturday, August 10
• Reports making the rounds on Sunday disclosed that this is the second time the church has been set ablaze within ten years over an unresolved issue concerning the building's location
• Niger state governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, condemned the act, describing it as "a cowardly act against the Christian community"

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Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the champion zonal headquarters in Kontagora, Niger state, has been set ablaze by hoodlums.

Hoodlums burn Redeemed Church in Niger. Images of Pastor Adeboye and RCCG members, for illustration purposes. Photo credit: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
Source: Facebook

The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, August 10, ten years after the church was burnt by unknown persons who had warned that the church should not be reconstructed in the environment.

According to the assistant pastor of the church, Pastor Samson Ogbebor, the hoodlums besieged the church on Saturday morning and burnt down the church, The Nation reported.

He added that the church has been facing threats from unknown persons over the years.

“I got a distress call that our Church was on fire and on getting there, I met a church that has been in existence for the past 20 years being burnt down and properties looted by hoodlums.“This church has faced lots of challenges. About 10 years ago, hoodlums came and burnt it down completely and with self efforts we were able to erect it again. They had made several unsuccessful attempts and have refused us the permission to roof it properly and we decided to be using it like that for worship but look at what they have done today again”, he lamented.

Niger governor Bago condemns burning of RCCG Church in Niger

Reacting, Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the burning of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Kontagora, as mindless and cowardly act.

He noted that the act is not only an attack on the Christian community, but also a direct affront to the peace and unity being experienced in Niger State, Vanguard reported.

Adeboye speaks on Boko Haram leaders claiming to be Muslims

In another development, Legit.ng reported that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, reacted to leaders of Boko Haram claiming to be Muslims.

Adeboye said Boko Haram members claiming to be Muslims don't make every Muslim a terrorist or murderer.

The popular clergyman said the same thing applies to a pastor and wife who are insensitive to their members.

Source: Legit.ng