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| BEFORE THE FIRE |
WUKARI, Taraba State — March 4, 2026
A late-night fire has damaged St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, sending flames through sections of the building and alarming residents in the town of Wukari.
The blaze reportedly started late Tuesday night, with witnesses describing flames shooting through the roof and windows of the cathedral while onlookers gathered outside as the fire intensified.
Priest Rescues Blessed Sacrament
During the incident, parish priest Fr. James Oliver reportedly entered the burning structure and succeeded in rescuing the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle before the flames spread further inside the building.
Witnesses described the act as courageous, noting that the priest moved quickly despite the growing danger posed by the fire.
Extent of Damage
Early accounts indicate that the fire caused significant damage to parts of the cathedral, particularly sections of the roof and interior. The full extent of the destruction is still being assessed as authorities and church officials evaluate the structure.
Despite the intensity of the blaze, no casualties or injuries have been reported.
Allegations and Investigation
Some early reports circulating on social media allege that the fire may have been deliberately set by Islamist extremists, though no official confirmation has yet been provided by security authorities.
Investigations are expected to determine:
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the exact cause of the fire
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whether foul play was involved
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the extent of structural damage to the cathedral.
Community Reaction
The incident has generated concern among residents and Christian communities across the region. Churches in parts of northern Nigeria have occasionally been targets of attacks during periods of insecurity, raising fears that the incident could heighten tensions.
Local leaders have called for calm and prayers while awaiting the outcome of official investigations.
Authorities in Taraba State have not yet released a formal statement at the time of reporting.
Developing Story
This is a developing situation, and further updates are expected as emergency services and security officials continue their assessment.
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