Cross River Police Confirm Arson Attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boki!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa
Authorities in Cross River State have confirmed a deliberate arson attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the Katchuan Iruan community of Boki Local Government Area. Police described the incident as a criminal act of arson, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday around 3:00 a.m..
The Cross River State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah, reported that the fire engulfed key sections of the church, destroying all records stored in the sacristy. In addition to structural damage, two vehicles belonging to the parish priest a Lexus 350 Jeep and a Toyota Corolla were set ablaze by the perpetrators.
In a statement, ASP Eitokpah confirmed that no suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the attack. The incident has sparked widespread concern among parishioners and residents in the usually peaceful community. Police visited the scene, took photographs, and formally documented the case before referring it to Okunde Police Station for further investigation.
Local residents condemned the attack, expressing alarm at the violation of a place of worship. The incident underscores broader security challenges in parts of southern Nigeria, where religious institutions have occasionally been targeted. While the motive remains unclear, authorities pledged to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Security analysts have noted that attacks on religious sites, whether isolated or linked to broader insecurity, heighten the urgency for enhanced protective measures around communal institutions. The incident at St. Mary’s Catholic Church contributes to ongoing discussions about safeguarding places of worship and ensuring the safety of congregants across Nigeria.
Sources:
Premium Times
The Eagle Online
P.M. News
Punch Nigeria
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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