Catholic Church in Boki LGA Burned; Police Recommend Private Security

Catholic Church in Boki LGA Burned; Police Recommend Private Security
The attackers torched a Lexus 350 Jeep belonging to the priest and a Toyota Corolla parked within the church compound
ASP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, said efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators

The Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command, has advised St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Katchuan Iruan, Boki Local Government Area, to engage private security personnel and fence its premises following an early morning arson attack.

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Eko Hot Blog gathered that unknown assailants reportedly invaded the church around 3am on Thursday and set parts of the building ablaze, destroying vital documents.

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The attackers also torched a Lexus 350 Jeep belonging to the priest and a Toyota Corolla parked within the church compound.

In response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Rashid Afegbua, on Friday directed the Area Commander in Ikom, alongside tactical units from Ikom and Ogoja Area Commands, to conduct an on-the-spot assessment patrol in Katchuan to reassure residents and church members.

Confirming the incident, Reverend Father Euna Esibu M, Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, said members of the church coexist peacefully with other religious adherents in the community.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, said efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

Catholic Church in Boki LGA Burned; Police Recommend Private Security

“We have advised the Reverend Father to fence the premises and employ security personnel to safeguard the property,” the statement read, adding that security agencies have intensified strategic measures to apprehend those responsible.

Police authorities said a manhunt has been launched, though no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report.