‘It could lead to breakdown of law’ — KASU Christians kick against demolition of ‘only’ church

The Christian community on the main campus of the Kaduna State University (KASU) has kicked against the demolition of what it described as their only chapel in the institution.

In a statement on Monday, the community, under the umbrella of Christian Community on Campus (CCC), lamented that the demolition of the church building — under construction — “could lead to a breakdown of law and order”.

The group described the development as “one injustice too many”.

The authorities of the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA), on June 6, 2022, demolished the project on the grounds that the structure violated extant laws.

Ismail Dikko, the DG of KASUPDA, had said the Kaduna state executive council gave a directive that all public institutions must submit relevant documents before erecting new structures within their premises.

The CCC, however, challenged the KASUPDA DG to produce evidence of other structures in the university which were approved by his agency.

“KASU has a Directorate of Physical Planning that oversees the construction of all buildings/structures. The university has over a hundred structures without building permits from KASUPDA,” the CCC said.

“So why is the case of the KASU Chapel different? Is KASUPDA trying to usurp the powers of the Directorate of Physical planning in KASU?

“We challenge the DG of KASUPDA to publish the building permits of all structures in Kaduna State University in the spirit of fairness and equity.”

The Christian community alleged that since the establishment of the university 17 years ago, efforts to construct a place of worship for its member were being frustrated by the university authorities.

“The reason for this lack of a place of worship is a sequel to many back-and-forth policies of the management of the university on the allocation of land for construction, among many other heinous reasons,” the group added.

The CCC lamented that while there are “five mosques on the university campus, the Christian community has no place of worship.”

“It is disheartening that KASU in its 17 years of existence does not have a place of worship for the large Christian Community.

“Furthermore, CCC counted at least five places of worship for the other faith and without any for the Christian faith on campus.

“We consider the foregoing to be a sensitive matter and if not properly handled, it could lead to break down of law and order.

“It is our belief that there is a grand plan to sabotage, supplant and subdue the Christian Community on Campus.

“Repeated demands for a written document from the Registrar and Director, Physical Planning and Development in KASU to state reasons the Chapel construction should be stopped has been to no avail as we speak.

“We call on all concerned authorities for timely intervention in the interest of peace and tranquility.”