Unknown individuals have set fire to St Mary Quasi Parish Catholic Church located in Katchuan Irruan, within the Boki Local Government Area of northern Cross River State.
This incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Thursday around 3 a.m., shocking the peaceful community.
Church officials and local residents stated that the attackers' identities and motives are still unclear, mentioning that the assailants allegedly entered the church grounds before igniting parts of the building.
An unsigned statement from the church revealed that the intruders unlawfully accessed the premises and set fire to the Sacrament area, resulting in significant damage to sacred items and parts of the altar.
The statement also indicated that vehicles belonging to the parish priest, parked within the church grounds, were also set ablaze during the incident.
The church reported that emergency services were contacted immediately, and efforts were made to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident and stated that a manhunt has been initiated for those responsible for the attack.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, mentioned that initial reports suggested the arsonists destroyed records in the church sacristy and damaged a Lexus RX 350 and a Toyota Corolla owned by the priest.
Akata noted that no arrests have been made yet, and the case has been officially recorded and handed over to Okundi Police Station for a thorough investigation, with promises of further updates as the investigation continues.
(Source: Daily Post)
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