Niger gov condemns burning of RCCG building, says it is cowardly
By Jeffrey Agbo
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has described the burning of the building of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) by suspected hoodlums in Kontagora town as “mindless and cowardly.”
The church was looted in the early hours of Saturday and set ablaze.
Bago, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, issued on Sunday said the burning and looting of the church was not only an attack on the Christian community but a direct affront to the peace and unity cherished in the state.
Bago said, “We totally condemn this act and tell our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as other Niger inhabitants that the government prioritises their safety, security, and freedom of religion.
“Our state utilises its diversity and the peaceful coexistence of all religious and ethnic groups. We will not condone this act of violence.”
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The governor said he had directed all the security agencies to conduct an immediate and complete inquiry into the incident.
He vowed that the perpetrators of the act would be caught and duly prosecuted.
Bago urged the people of Kontagora to be calm and refrain from reprisal attacks and that they should continue to work to preserve peace and togetherness as one nation.
He said his administration would continue to take all necessary precautions to protect all places of worship in order to prevent the recurrence of such regrettable and reprehensible acts.
Bago also called on the residents of the state to be watchful and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to avoid further occurrences of such heinous atrocities.
The Niger State governor pledged the state government’s support to members of the RCCG and the broader Christian community.