CurrenReport Blog In the wake of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests on Thursday, violent clashes between hoodlums and security operatives erupted, resulting in significant damage and theft at several churches. Pastor David Jato of the Living Faith Church provided a detailed account of the harrowing events, revealing the extent of the invasion and the losses incurred.
Hoodlums Invade Church, Steal Valuables
Pastor Jato recounted that due to the invasion, the church was unable to hold its Sunday service. The hoodlums, arriving in tricycles (Keke NAPEP), broke into the church auditorium, taking everything in sight. “They packed everything inside the church auditorium, including the wall digital clock, musical instruments, pulpit, pastor’s chairs, plastic chairs, and a desktop computer at the reception, as well as a scoreboard where the accountant usually kept church documents. They scattered everything and went away with them,” Jato lamented.
Targeted Attacks on Multiple Churches
The pastor also mentioned that three churches were targeted during the protests. While the Living Faith Church and Deeper Life Church were successfully invaded, the Anglican Church was spared due to strong iron protectors at its gate. Another church, Power of Resurrection in Katsina town, faced vandalism but was saved from a full invasion due to its iron window protectors, according to Rev. Nelson Onyekachukwu, former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Call for Government Action and Protection
Expressing surprise and condemnation over the attacks, Pastor Jato urged for serious reflection and action. “It is not food that we store in the House of God. It is a place of worship. Why is it only churches? The government should come to the reality they are serving humanity, and God will judge us all, whether political or religious leaders,” he stated.
Rev. Onyekachukwu also condemned the actions and called on the government to address the grievances of the people and ensure the protection of churches during such incidents.
Ongoing Investigation
The Church leadership has reported the incident to the police and the Army. According to Pastor Jato, the police confirmed making some arrests on Saturday. However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Abubakar, is yet to respond to messages regarding the situation.
