CAN reacts over planned demolition of Church by Kaduna State govt

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai 

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State Chapter, has raised the alarm over an alleged quit notice to demolish one of the oldest Anglican churches in Zaria by the Kaduna State government.

CAN, therefore, drew the attention of the Kaduna State government to a notice to one ST. George’s Anglican Church in Sabon Gari, Zaria founded about 110 years ago.



A statement from CAN State chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab issued Thursday and made available to newsmen said, “The 7-Day Quit Notice by the Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Agency (KASUPDA), is purported to be a directive from the Executive Governor.

“The notice also claimed that compensation had been duly paid to the church. The Quit Notice, which was not dated, was addressed to: House No. 27, Church House, Sabon Gari Market, Zaria which in the actual sense is St George’s Church.”




The statement explained that part of the quir notice reads, “Reference to the directive given by the Executive Governor on the issue of Market development which compensation has been dually paid. However you are hereby directed to vacate your resident within Seven (7) days from now, failure to comply will leave the Agency with no option than to evict you at your own expense. (from 19– 24 September).”


CAN observed that the signatory of the notice did not include his name, but it was signed by the zonal head of KASUPDA on behalf of the zonal Manager.

CAN explained, “We are alarm and apprehensive about this, if it is true that it is a directive from the governor. But we doubt much if the governor issued the directive.



“This is because in February 2016, the government made moves to relocate the church to pave way for the expansion of the market, but later realized that the Church has all valid documents and that even some parts of the market are on the Church’s land.

“Following the presentation of the necessary documents by the church, the matter was resolved amicably.

“We wish to state categorically that no any compensation was paid to the church.”