Fear grips Cross River community over church arson

We’ve launched a manhunt for the suspects – Police

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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Residents of Iruan Community in Boki local government area of Cross River State are gripped by fear following an arson attack in the community.

In the early hours of Thursday, at about 3:00 am, arsonists gained entry into St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Katchuan Iruan, Boki LGA, and burnt all records kept in the sacristy.

The suspects also set ablaze the priest’s Lexus 350 jeep and a Toyota Corolla parked on the church premises.

The motive for the attack is still unclear, with some residents trying to figure out the basis for the attack.
Community members and residents who visited the scene wept, wailed and expressed deep shock over the incident, which is unprecedented in the area.

A resident who craved anonymity said, “This is very shocking and distressing. We have never experienced such an atrocious act in Iruan before.

” We live peacefully and welcome visitors across the state and beyond, even non-Christians, so we don’t know where this is coming from for now,” he said.

Efforts are ongoing to ascertain those responsible for the unfortunate criminal act. Should any suspect be identified, the information will be promptly communicated.

Reacting to the incident, Sunday Eitokpah, the police public relations officer, said the police have visited the scene.

He said no arrest has been made so far, and the State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the suspected arsonists.