By Becky Maina
ECWA Gospel Church, located off Ashaka Road in Gombe state, has been left in ruins following a devastating fire incident that destroyed parts of its auditorium.
The fire, which occurred on Tuesday night, affected the church sanctuary, destroying the pulpit, choir stand, musical instruments, sound systems, media equipment and other valuable properties estimated at hundreds of millions of naira.
Although no life was lost in the incident, the fire has left members of the congregation with emotional and material losses as they begin the process of recovery.
A visit to the scene showed blackened walls, burnt musical instruments, damaged sound equipment and the remains of the pulpit, serving as painful reminders of a sanctuary that once echoed with songs of praise and worship.
The cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed, but preliminary indications suggest that it may have resulted from an electrical fault.
Church leaders, members, sympathisers and government representatives have continued to visit the church to assess the extent of the damage, offer encouragement and express solidarity with the congregation.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister-in-Charge of ECWA Gospel Church, Reverend Dr. Gideon Danbauchi, described the incident as a major setback for the church.
“This is a painful setback for us as a church, but we thank God that no life was lost. We believe this is a test of faith, and we will remain united, prayerful and committed to rebuilding what has been affected,” he said.
Reverend Danbauchi said property worth hundreds of millions of naira was destroyed in the fire, adding that the church would rely on faith and support from the public to restore the affected section.
“We appeal to the Gombe state Government, corporate organisations, well-meaning individuals and the Christian community to support us in restoring the damaged auditorium and replacing the equipment destroyed by the fire,” he appealed.
The church’s Technical Director, Mr. Olatunji Daniel, recalled that he was alerted after noticing thick smoke rising into the sky and receiving distress calls from people nearby.
“I received distress calls and noticed thick smoke rising into the sky. By the time I arrived, the auditorium was locked, and volunteers had to break through the windows in an attempt to contain the fire,” he said.
He explained that the intensity of the flames overwhelmed the efforts of volunteers before the arrival of fire service personnel.
“The fire was intense and overwhelmed the efforts of those trying to put it out before the arrival of the fire service personnel,” Daniel added.
He said personnel of the fire service responded with four fire trucks and eventually brought the blaze under control, although significant damage had already been recorded.
For many worshippers, the loss goes beyond the destruction of equipment, as the auditorium served as a spiritual home where families gathered for worship, prayers and fellowship.
Despite the destruction, members of ECWA Gospel Church remain hopeful that through faith, unity and support from well-meaning individuals, the church will be rebuilt.
Amid the ashes, hope remains as members believe that with faith, unity and support, ECWA Gospel Church will rise again.