Unknown persons have set ablaze St Mary Quasi Parish Catholic Church, Katchuan Irruan, in Boki Local Government Area of northern Cross River State.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, at about 3 a.m., throwing the quiet community into shock.
Church officials and residents said the identity and motive of the attackers remain unknown, noting that the assailants allegedly invaded the church premises before setting parts of the building on fire.
An unsigned statement issued by the church disclosed that the attackers gained unlawful entry into the facility and set fire to the Sacrament area, causing extensive damage to sacred items and sections of the altar.
The statement further revealed that vehicles belonging to the parish priest, which were parked within the church compound, were also torched during the attack.
According to the church, emergency responders were contacted promptly, while efforts were made to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining structures.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said it had launched a manhunt for those responsible for the attack.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said preliminary information indicated that the arsonists burnt records kept in the church sacristy and destroyed a Lexus RX 350 and a Toyota Corolla belonging to the priest.
Akata added that no arrests had been made, noting that the case has been formally recorded and transferred to Okundi Police Station for discreet investigation, with assurances that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
