The leadership of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Wukari, Taraba State, has disclosed the extent of the loss suffered following a fire that engulfed the church on Wednesday night.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Catholic Diocese of Wukari said the inferno left only the walls of the cathedral standing, with most of the structure and its contents destroyed.
The diocesan chancellor, Simon Akuraga, confirmed that the fire broke out at about 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, shortly after the church choir had concluded its midweek rehearsal and left the premises.
A priest and two other individuals, who were still inside praying, were the first to notice the blaze.
According to the statement, the priest heard an electrical spark from the ceiling, followed by smoke and rapidly spreading flames.
He quickly removed the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and rushed out to alert the security personnel at the church gate.
Efforts by parishioners and local residents to control the fire proved unsuccessful, and most of the cathedral’s properties were destroyed.
Only a few items, including the Blessed Sacrament, some altar chairs, musical instruments, and liturgical vestments and vessels, were salvaged.
“The inferno left only the walls of the cathedral standing,” the statement said, describing the scene as devastating.
While expressing gratitude to those who responded swiftly to the emergency, the diocese also thanked members of the public who have offered prayers and words of encouragement.
The church called on the faithful and the general public to continue praying as the diocese seeks “grace and strength to rise above the current challenges.”
No casualties were reported, and the fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.
