IRRUAN, Nigeria – In a poignant display of pastoral solidarity, Bishop Donatus Edet Akpan of Ogoja visited the devastated community of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Irruan on Sunday, March 1. The visit followed a sacrilegious arson attack that gutted the church in the early hours of February 26, marking a dark chapter in the nearly century-long history of the Catholic presence in the region.
A Sacrilegious Act of Destruction
The attack, which occurred around 3:00 a.m., saw unknown assailants force their way into the sacred structure before setting it ablaze. The resulting inferno caused extensive damage, destroying the Tabernacle, sacred vessels, and the parish archives. The parish priest, Father Euna Esibu—who had only been in his post for three months—was forced to leap from a top-floor window to escape the flames, sustaining serious orthopedic injuries in the process.
Beyond the church building, two vehicles belonging to the parish were also incinerated. Local police have launched a large-scale manhunt, with theories suggesting the perpetrators may be linked to disputes involving nearby oil palm plantations or remnants of criminal gangs previously associated with a notorious local leader known as “General Iron”.
| Incident Details (February 2026) | Data |
| Location | St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Irruan, Boki LGA |
| Date of Attack | February 26, 2026, 3:00 a.m. |
| Primary Damage | Church building, Tabernacle, Archives, 2 Vehicles |
| Human Impact | Fr. Euna Esibu (Serious orthopedic injuries) |
A Nation Under Siege
The attack in Ogoja is not an isolated incident but part of a broader spike in violence targeting Christians across Nigeria in early 2026. According to the Open Doors World Watch List 2026, Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places for the faithful, with militant groups and “bandits” increasingly targeting religious buildings and clergy. In February 2026, Pope Leo XIV issued a solemn condemnation of the escalating violence, specifically citing church vandalism and arson as grave threats to the nation’s peace.
The international community has also taken notice. On February 10, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 to address what many describe as a “Christian genocide” roiling the country.
“They Will Not Go Unpunished”
During a Mass celebrated amidst the ruins, Bishop Akpan offered words of spiritual comfort to the numerous faithful who gathered to pray. While condemning the “atrocious act,” the Bishop urged his flock to remain vigilant, noting that the perpetrators might still be in the vicinity. “Those who have committed this atrocious act will not go unpunished,” the prelate declared, expressing his firm confidence that justice would be served.
The Bishop emphasized that this level of destruction is unprecedented for the local Church, which has served the community for nearly one hundred years without such a violent incident. His presence served as a powerful reminder that while buildings may be burned, the faith of the people remains unshakeable.
A Spiritual Resolution: Forgiveness and Fortitude
In the face of such senseless destruction, we are called to respond not with hatred, but with the transformative power of the Gospel. Let us turn to the Sacrament of Confession, seeking the grace to forgive our enemies as Christ forgave those who crucified Him, and to be purified of any desire for vengeance. Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, placing the suffering Church in Nigeria before the Real Presence of Christ, asking for the healing of Father Euna Esibu and the protection of all clergy and faithful.
The Holy Rosary is our spiritual shield; let us pray it daily for the conversion of those who persecute the Church and for the restoration of peace in Nigeria, asking for the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace. Through active participation in the Holy Mass and the devout reception of the Eucharist, we are strengthened to be witnesses to the Light that no darkness can overcome. Finally, let us immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, finding in the Word of God the promise that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against His Church.
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