A devastating fire has destroyed a significant portion of the ECWA Gospel Church auditorium located off Ashaka Road in Gombe, leaving members of the congregation counting their losses while expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday night, ravaged the church sanctuary, consuming the pulpit, choir stand, musical instruments, sound systems, media equipment and other valuable property estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of naira.
When our correspondent visited the scene, the extent of the destruction was evident. Blackened walls, charred musical instruments, melted sound equipment and the burnt remains of the pulpit stood as painful reminders of a sanctuary that had long served as a place of worship, prayer and fellowship for hundreds of Christians.
Although the cause of the fire has not been officially established, preliminary findings indicate that it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
The incident has attracted sympathisers, church leaders, government officials and members of the public, many of whom have visited the church to assess the damage, offer words of encouragement and express solidarity with the congregation.
Speaking with journalists, the Minister-in-Charge of ECWA Gospel Church, Rev. Dr. Gideon Danbauchi, described the incident as a heartbreaking setback but reaffirmed the church’s resolve to rebuild.
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“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.”
Rev. Danbauchi disclosed that property worth hundreds of millions of naira was destroyed in the inferno and appealed for support from government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians.
“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.”
Recounting how the incident unfolded, the church’s Technical Director, Mr. Olatunji Daniel, said he became aware of the emergency after receiving distress calls and noticing thick smoke rising into the night sky.
“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.”
According to him, the intensity of the blaze quickly overwhelmed the efforts of volunteers before emergency responders arrived.
“The fire was intense and overwhelmed the efforts of those trying to put it out before the arrival of the fire service personnel.”
Daniel disclosed that firefighters responded with four fire trucks and eventually succeeded in bringing the blaze under control, although substantial damage had already been done.
For many members, the loss extends beyond damaged structures and equipment. The auditorium represented a spiritual home where families gathered for worship, celebrations, prayers and fellowship over the years.
Despite the devastating destruction, the congregation remains resolute. Church members say they are drawing strength from their faith and are confident that, with unity, prayers and support from well-meaning individuals, the church will recover and rebuild.
As the smoke clears and recovery efforts begin, the burnt auditorium stands not only as a symbol of loss but also as a testament to the resilience of a congregation determined to rise above tragedy. Amid the ashes, hope endures that ECWA Gospel Church will once again echo with songs of worship and the voices of a united faith community.
