Police advise Catholic Church razed by unknown men to engage private security
Nigerian Police Advise Church to Hire Security After Arson Incident
The Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command, has recommended that St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Katchuan Iruan, Boki Local Government Area, employ private security personnel to protect its property following a recent arson attack.
Around 3 a.m. on Thursday, unidentified individuals breached the church premises, setting parts of the building ablaze and damaging crucial documents. The assailants also set fire to a Lexus 350 Jeep and a Toyota Corolla parked on the grounds of the church.
In response to the incident, the police have urged the church to install a fence to deter any future attacks. On Friday, Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua instructed the area commander of Ikom and tactical units from Ikom and Ogoja Area Commands to conduct a patrol in Katchuan, aimed at reassuring both the church and local residents.
Reverend Father Euna Esibu M., Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, confirmed the fire, stating that church members generally maintain peaceful relations with other community groups.
As of now, authorities have not identified any suspects. According to a statement from ASP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, the police public relations officer, a manhunt is underway to apprehend those responsible. “We have advised the Reverend Father to fence the premises and employ security personnel to safeguard the property,” Akata said, emphasizing the police’s commitment to strategic actions to apprehend the perpetrators.
