The Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command, has advised the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Katchuan Iruan, Boki LGA, to engage the services of private security personnel to guard its property
Unknown persons, in the early hours of Thursday, invaded the Church and set part of the building ablaze, destroying vital documents.
The arsonists also set ablaze the priest’s Lexus SUV 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 Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, directed the Area Commander of Ikom together with tactical units from Ikom and Ogoja Area Commands to conduct surveillance patrol in Katchuan to boost the confidence of the Church and residents of the area.
Reverend Father Euna Esibu, 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 has been launched to arrest the perpetrators.
“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.