Dr Hilary Bisong, the lawmaker representing Boki State Constituency 1 in the Cross River House of Assembly, has demanded Justice in the attack by suspected arsonists on a Church in Boki Local Government Area (LGA).
Bisong’s demand is contained in a statement issued in Calabar and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
He described the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Katchuan Iruan, Boki as a serious threat to religious harmony and public order.
The church was attacked in the early hours of Feb. 26 by some unidentified persons.
The suspects reportedly broke into the church and set parts of the building ablaze.
The fire destroyed the altar, sacred vessels and other worship items.
In addition, two vehicles belonging to the Parish Priest and his guests were also set on fire.
There was, however, no life lost in the attack.
Bisong described the attack as “a deliberate desecration of a sacred space and an affront to the values of faith and civilization”.
According to him, places of worship symbolised hope and moral guidance and that any assault on them undermines communal peace.
He commended parishioners and residents of Irruan in Boki for maintaining calm and choosing peaceful reflection rather than retaliation.
“Their restraint reflects a strong commitment to lawful conduct and unity, ” he stated.
The lawmaker called on security agencies to intensify investigations and ensure that those behind the attack were identified and brought to justice.
He emphasised that prompt action would reassure citizens and discourage similar acts.
Bisong also noted that Cross River had maintained a reputation for peaceful coexistence under Gov. Bassey Otu and urged that no individual or group be allowed to disrupt that legacy.
He reaffirmed his solidarity with the Catholic Church and the Irruan Community, assuring them of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and places of worship across the state.
Meanwhile, the state command of the Nigeria Police said no person had yet been arrested in connection with the attack.
The Spokesman for the command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, however, said that the police were working to bring the perpetrators to book. (NAN)