Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hilary Bisong, has condemned the burning of large parts of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Katchuan Irruan in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River Central by suspected arsonists this past Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Bisong, who made a public reaction on the heels of the unfortunate incident, was particularly irked that the suspected arsonists, desecrated and set ablaze the consecrated altar, church vestments, sacred vessels, sacramentals, and set two vehicles, a Lexus 350 keep and a Toyota Corolla, belonging to the Parish Priest and his guests ablaze in a manner that has sent shock waves across Catholic faithfuls and non-Catholics within the state and beyond.
This is “a direct affront to faith, civilization, and the rule of law,” he stated, adding that this act goes beyond vandalism; it is a calculated violation of sacred space and communal peace.
“A house of worship represents hope, moral guidance, and the spiritual heartbeat of a people. To desecrate the altar is to wound the conscience of the community. This act is condemnable in the strongest possible terms and must not go unanswered.”
He commended the Catholic faithful and the people of Irruan for their restraint, maturity, and peaceful disposition in the aftermath of the attack. Rather than descend into retaliation, parishioners have reportedly gathered in prayer, demonstrating moral strength in the face of provocation.
While calling for swift and thorough action, the Chief Whip urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute those responsible, emphasising that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to reassure citizens and deter future acts of religious intolerance or criminality.
“Under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Bassey Otu, Cross River State has continued to be recognized for its peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, and no individual or group should be allowed to fracture that enduring legacy of unity and stability”, he said.
“This attack may have charred wood and metal, but it cannot consume faith. It may have scorched walls, but it cannot destroy unity. In the end, justice will prevail, peace will endure, and our shared values will stand stronger than the flames that sought to silence them”, he continued.
While the law must take its full course against the perpetrators, the collective response of the community must remain anchored in peace, unity, and lawful conduct, he advised.
Concluding, Bisong reaffirmed solidarity with the Catholic Church, the leadership of the parish, and the entire Irruan community and assured them that government and relevant authorities remain committed to protecting lives, property, and all places of worship across Cross River State.
Credit: SA MEDIA, Office of the Chief Whip, Cross River State House of Assembly.
