The Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command, has advised the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Katchuan Iruan, Boki LGA, Cross River State, to engage the services of private security personnel to guard its property
At about 3am yesterday, Thursday, unknown persons invaded the Church in and set part of the church ablaze, destroying vital documents.
The unknown men also set ablaze the priest’s Lexus 350 Jeep and a Toyota Corolla car parked within the church premises.
The police have also advised the Church to fence the premises to avert further attacks.
On Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, directed the Area commander of Ikom together with tactical units from Ikom and Ogoja Area Commands to conduct an on-the-spot assessment patrol in Katchuan to boost the confidence of the Church and residents of the area.
The Reverend Father Euna Esibu M, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, confirmed the arson, noting that church members coexist peacefully with other community adherents.
The police are yet to identify the suspects but a statement by the PPRO, ASP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, said a manhunt will soon being them to book.
“We have advised the Reverend Father to fence the premises and employ security personnel to safeguard the property,” adding that the police continue strategic measures to apprehend the perpetrators.
