Only The Walls Were Left Standing – Leaders Recount Loss After Taraba Church Inferno

The leadership of St. Mary’s Cathedral Wukari in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State has recounted the extent of its losses following the fire outbreak that engulfed the church on Wednesday night.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Catholic Diocese of Wukari confirmed that only the walls of the church were left standing after the inferno, stating that, the incident caused severe damage to the cathedral, leaving most part of the structure destroyed.

Recall that the flames swept through the building late Wednesday.

The statement signed by the diocesan chancellor, Simon Akuraga, said the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, shortly after members of the church choir had concluded their midweek rehearsal and left the premises.

According to the statement, a priest and two other individuals were still inside the church praying when the fire started.

“The priest heard an electrical spark from the ceiling followed by smoke and rapidly spreading flames. He quickly removed the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and rushed out to seek help, starting with the security men at the gate,” the statement said.

Despite swift efforts by parishioners and other concerned residents to contain the fire, the blaze, as disclosed by the church, could not be brought under control.

Church authorities also confirmed that most of the cathedral’s properties were destroyed, with only a few items successfully salvaged.

Among the items rescued as listed in the statement, were the Blessed Sacrament, some altar chairs, musical instruments, and a number of liturgical vestments and vessels.

“The inferno left only the walls of the cathedral standing,” the statement added.

While expressing appreciation to individuals and community members who responded quickly to assist during the emergency, the diocese also thanked those who have shown solidarity through prayers and messages of encouragement.

The church further called on the faithful and the general public to continue to offer prayers as the diocese seeks “grace and strength to rise above the current challenges.”

No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, the church said the cause of the fire is suspected to be electrical.