…Condemns the Profanation of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Irruan
Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, has issued a strong and unequivocal condemnation of the sacrilegious arson attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Church Katchuan Irruan in Irruan community, Boki Local Government Area.
In the early hours of Thursday, February 26, 2026, unknown assailants unlawfully gained access to the church premises and set ablaze the consecrated altar, destroyed sacred vessels and sacramentals, and burned two vehicles belonging to the Parish Priest and his guests. The Parish Priest, Rev. Father Mathew—who only recently resumed pastoral assignment in Irruan following years of dedicated service at St. Finan Parish, Iso Bendeghe—is confirmed safe and unharmed.
Describing the incident as “a direct affront to faith, civilization, and the rule of law,” Rt. Hon. Bisong stated that such an 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.
Calling for swift and thorough action, the Chief Whip urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute those responsible. He emphasized 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.
Rt. Hon. Bisong further reminded the public that 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 that no individual or group should be allowed to fracture that enduring legacy of unity and stability.
Quoting Scripture, he stated:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
He stressed that 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.
Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong reaffirmed his unwavering solidarity with the Catholic Church, the leadership of the parish, and the entire Irruan community. He assured them that the government and relevant authorities remain committed to protecting lives, property, and all places of worship across Cross River State.
“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.”
Office of the Chief Whip
Cross River State House of Assembly
