Katsina Churches Invaded, Valuables Stolen During #EndBadGovernance Protests [PHOTOS]

Katsina churches looted by hoodlums amid protests...

Hoodlums attack churches in Katsina State during #EndBadGovernance protests, stealing valuables and disrupting services, with pastors condemning the violence and calling for government action.

Hoodlums struck in Katsina State on the first day of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, making off with valuables worth millions of naira from a church. The stolen items included at least 205 chairs, musical instruments, and other equipment.

According to Pastor David Sarki of the Living Faith Church (also known as Winners Chapel) in Daura Local Government Area, the church was unable to hold its Sunday service due to the theft. Pastor Sarki revealed the incident occurred on Sunday, disrupting the church's activities.

He said, “Because the hoodlums took everything inside the church on the first day of the protest, they decided to worship at their various home cells.

“We have two security personnel working in the church; one was on duty while the other was off. When the protest began around 10:00 am, the hoodlums just diverted to the church, many of them in Keke Napep (tricycle), broke the door and windows and entered the church auditorium.

“They took everything inside the church auditorium, including the wall digital clock, musical instruments, pulpit, pastor's chairs, plastic chairs, a desktop computer at the reception, and a scoreboard where the accountant usually kept church documents. They scattered everything.

"Three churches were their target. They succeeded in invading the Living Faith Church and Deeper Life, but couldn't gain access to the third one, which is the Anglican Church, because of the strong protection at the gate.

"We have informed the police and the army about it, and the police told us yesterday that they have made some arrests.

“I am surprised by this attack. When we are thinking about ending bad governance protests, which have now escalated to the invasion of churches, it is something that everyone should seriously condemn. It is not food that we store in the house of God; it is a place of worship. Why is it only a church? The government should come to the reality that they are serving humanity, and God will judge us all, whether political or religious leaders.

“My prayer for the perpetrators is that they should repent from what they are doing because for you to enter a church, a place of worship, is wrong, and you know you are not fighting, man. They should seek repentance. I know God is forgiving, and He will forgive them.”

Pastor Nelson Onyekachuku, former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Katsina State, strongly condemned the attack on his church, emphasizing that it only adds to the suffering of the congregation. He urged the government to reform its policies, address the grievances of the people, and ensure the protection of churches during such incidents.

In response to the attacks, a heavy security presence was deployed to churches across Katsina State on Sunday, providing a visible deterrent to potential troublemakers and reassuring worshippers of their safety.

 

Pastor Nelson Onyekachuku of Power of Resurrection Church in Katsina State also fell victim to the rampage, as hoodlums attacked his church during the protests in Katsina town. Although the iron gates prevented the intruders from entering the building, they still managed to shatter the church windows, leaving a trail of destruction.

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