– Fire Destroys ECWA Church Auditorium As Government Supports
The Gombe State Government has assured its support as fire destroys the multi-million-naira auditorium of the ECWA Gospel Church.
The fire, which occurred on the night of July 7, razed the church’s main worship auditorium, destroying electronic equipment, furniture, roofing, the pastoral office and other valuables, leaving the congregation without a place of worship.
Leading a government delegation to the scene, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, described the incident as unfortunate and expressed sympathy with the church leadership and members over the loss.
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Jatau said the state government was committed to supporting efforts aimed at rebuilding the destroyed facility, noting that places of worship play a vital role in promoting peace, moral values and community development.
He urged the church leadership to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage to facilitate government intervention while appealing to philanthropists, corporate organizations, politicians and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the reconstruction of the church.
The deputy governor also advised religious organizations to regularly inspect and maintain their electrical installations and ensure electrical appliances are switched off when not in use to reduce the risk of future fire outbreaks.
Speaking during the visit, ECWA Trustee I for the North-East, Rev. Dr. Isaac Laudarji, described the incident as a major loss to both the local congregation and the wider ECWA family, noting that the destroyed auditorium had served as a centre for worship and fellowship for many years.
He appealed to governments at all levels, corporate organisations, philanthropists and other public-spirited individuals to assist in rebuilding the church.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr. Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, described the incident as a tragedy for the Christian community and called for collective support to enable the church resume normal worship activities.
The Pastor-in-Charge of the church, Rev. Dr. Gideon Danbauchi, said preliminary findings suggested the fire may have resulted from an electrical fault linked to one of the church’s power supply sources.
