KWASAM, Nigeria — Scores of Muslim youth May 19 besieged church property in Kano state in northern Nigeria, destroying two church buildings and a pastor’s residence.
One of the buildings and the pastor’s house were set ablaze on the premises of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) at Kwasam, in the Kiru Local Government area, while another building under construction was demolished.
A group reportedly numbering more than 100 in the predominantly Muslim area stormed the church grounds.
“The problem started when some Christian youths of ECWA church were converted to Islam,” said Pastor Lado Abdul, chairman of ECWA district in Kano. “They swore that the ECWA church would not remain in the area, as they would do everything possible to chase Christians out from Kiru.”
No life was lost during or after the incident. Abdul, however, lamented the denial of rights to Christians in Kano by area Muslims.
“Here in Kano, nobody gives you land to build a church,” he said. “The old churches built before now are being demolished for reasons no one can easily grasp.”
Kano State Police Commissioner Mohammed Gana said the attack on the church buildings grew out of a land dispute.
Four suspects have been arrested, and an investigation continues, the police chief said.
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