By The first day of Nigeria’s nationwide protests against economic hardship took an unexpected turn in Katsina State, north of the country as hoodlums targeted local churches, stealing equipment and causing significant damage. Reports indicate that no fewer than 205 church chairs, musical instruments, and other valuable items worth millions of naira were looted from various churches in the area.
The Living Faith Church in the Daura Local Government Area bore the brunt of the attack, with Pastor David Jato revealing that the church service could not be held due to the extensive looting. “The hoodlums went away with everything inside the church on the first day of the protest,” Jato explained, forcing congregants to worship at their home cells instead.
According to Jato, the attack occurred around 10:00 am when many of the looters arrived in tricycles, known locally as Keke Napep. They broke through doors and windows to access the church auditorium, where they proceeded to take everything from digital wall clocks and musical instruments to chairs and even a desktop computer. The pastor expressed shock at the targeting of places of worship during what was meant to be a protest against bad governance.
The Living Faith Church was not the only target. The Deeper Life Church also fell victim to the looters, while an Anglican church narrowly escaped invasion due to strong protective measures at its gate. Pastor Jato reported that the police have been informed and have made some arrests, though he emphasized the need for the government to recognize the gravity of the situation and take action to protect places of worship.
Very Reverend Nelson Onyekachuku, the pastor in charge of Power of Resurrection church and former state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, also reported vandalism to his church’s windows, though the building’s iron protectors prevented further damage. Onyekachuku condemned the actions, stating that the hoodlums should not add pain to the church, and called on the government to address the people’s issues and enhance protection for religious institutions.
The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of religious buildings during times of civil unrest. Pastor Jato appealed to the perpetrators to seek repentance, emphasizing that attacking a place of worship is morally wrong and that “you are not fighting man” by doing so.
As of Sunday, a heavy security presence was observed in churches across Katsina State, indicating heightened awareness of the potential for further incidents. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sadiq Abubakar, had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
These church looting highlight the complex challenges facing Nigeria as it grapples with economic hardship and civil unrest. While the protests aim to address legitimate grievances, the targeting of religious institutions adds a troubling dimension to the ongoing crisis. As the situation develops, authorities face the dual challenge of addressing the root causes of the protests while also ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including places of worship.
Source: punchng.com
