Anxiety is high among Christian communities in Nigeria’s northern state of Jigawa after authorities began demolishing church buildings in Dutse on 11 January.
Bulldozers, escorted by security forces, reduced to rubble the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Lord Chosen Church. The Executive Secretary of Urban Development and some key police officers were at the scene. The police blocked all the entrances to prevent church members from entering the premises. Those who tried to take pictures were chased away by police officers. Then they went to the second church, which was also completely demolished.
‘It was a terrible experience, with so many Christians who witnessed the demolition crying’, said the Revd Musa. ‘I felt so bitter because we were in a situation where you have been cheated and you cannot talk.’ The authorities said the church buildings had been built illegally. But Mr Musa rejected the claims. He said no notice of demolition was issued. Both churches had applied for official registration documents, but the government had refused to grant them.
