St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral has reportedly been set ablaze by suspected Islamist militants in the town of Wukari, located in Taraba State, northeastern Nigeria.

According to eyewitness accounts, flames tore through the cathedral late at night, engulfing sections of the roof and windows while residents looked on in shock. The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of Christian communities and religious sites in the region, which has faced repeated security challenges over the years.

Despite the dangerous conditions, parish priest Fr James Oliver reportedly entered the burning church and successfully rescued the Blessed Sacrament, an act widely described by church members as one of courage and devotion amid the chaos.

Local church leaders and residents say the cathedral holds deep spiritual and historical significance for Catholics in Wukari and surrounding communities. The destruction of such a sacred site has sparked outrage and grief among believers, many of whom gathered nearby as the fire spread through the building.

Security authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident, but the attack comes amid ongoing concerns over extremist violence targeting churches and Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.

Religious leaders have called for calm while urging authorities to investigate the attack thoroughly and ensure greater protection for places of worship across the region.

Church communities across Nigeria have also expressed solidarity with the congregation of St Mary’s Cathedral, emphasizing that despite persecution and destruction, the Christian faith in the country remains resilient and continues to grow.