Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has condemned the attack on the Redeemed Christian Church of God situated along the Federal College of Education (FCE) road in Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area of the state just as he pleaded with the members of the church not to seek revenge.
The governor in a statement by his Special Adviser, Aisha Wakaso, said the barbaric act committed by hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday, which resulted in the burning and looting of the church, “is not only an attack on the Christian community in the state, but also a direct affront to the peace and unity that we cherish in Niger State.
“We totally condemn this act and tell our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as other inhabitants in the state, that the government prioritizes their safety, security, and freedom of religion.
“Our state utilizes its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not condone this stupid act of violence”, the statement added.
Governor Bago therefore requested that all relevant security agencies to conduct an immediate and complete investigation into the arson in order to arrest those behind it.
“We are convinced that the perpetrators of this horrible act will be quickly discovered and prosecuted.
“The administration will see that those involved are punished to the fullest extent of the law.
“We urge the people of Kontagora and the State in general to be calm and refrain from revenge or any violence.
“Let us continue to collaborate to preserve the peace and togetherness that define our magnificent nation.
He vows that his government will continue to take all necessary precautions to protect all houses of worship and prevent such a regrettable occurrence from occurring again.
He further urged all citizens of the state to be watchful and report any suspicious activity to authorities, stressing that “together, we can avoid further occurrences of such atrocities and maintain the tranquility that we all seek.
“We support the members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the broader Christian community during this terrible time”, Bago added.