Unidentified armed men have launched a violent attack on the security personnel of EYN LCB Ba’le-Kanuri Fori, under LCC Polo, DCC Maisandari in Maiduguri, further heightening fears among worshippers and raising concerns about escalating hostility toward the church community.
The incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Monday, 17 November 2025, when the attackers stormed the church premises and assaulted security guard Ishaya Ayuba, cutting him with a machete and beating him severely. Ayuba is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Ayuba recounted the terrifying moments of the attack. He said the assailants seized him, and one of them held a firearm while another instructed him to “shoot him.” According to Ayuba, the gunman attempted but was unable to fire the weapon.
“It was the grace of God that saved me,” he said.
Ayuba explained that when he asked them what they wanted, the attackers responded, “You know what we want. What you are doing here is what we want you to stop.” Church officials interpret this as a direct threat aimed at halting worship activities at the new LCB.
This brutal attack comes just weeks after the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) demolished a section of the church’s newly built perimeter fence—an action the church says weakened security and exposed the worship center to further danger.
Rev. John Ngubdo, Assistant Pastor of EYN LCC Polo, confirmed the attack and revealed that last Sunday marked the fourth Sunday since the church began holding services at the Ba’le-Kanuri Fori location. He noted that residents of the community have issued repeated threats against the church since its establishment.
Rev. Ngubdo emphasized that the church will not be intimidated out of its mission.
He said, “Even Christ was persecuted but He did not relent. Therefore, our faith in Christ will be stronger. As a peace church, we will not repay violence with violence.”
Church officials reported that suspicious individuals have been approaching the site at night for weeks but described Monday night’s assault as the most brutal and coordinated attack so far.
More Read
The EYN Leadership has strongly condemned both the violent attack and the earlier destruction of the newly erected LCB Ba’le-Kanuri Fori fence, calling on security agencies to intensify investigations, arrest the perpetrators, and protect the congregation’s constitutional right to worship freely.
EYN Leadership Condemns Destruction of New LCB Bale Kanuri Fence in Maiduguri
O lord have mercy on us