Kano — A Catholic Church in the mainly Muslim northern state of Kano was demolished in unclear circumstances by the state.

Christ the King Church (CKC) in Naibawa was unexpectedly demolished last Thursday morning and musical instruments, furniture and other objects were removed. The looted church building was bulldozed and set on fire, according to local media reports. The destruction raised tensions.

Kano State government explained that the church was demolished by the Kano State Urban Planning Development Agency (KANUPDA) because the Church officials refused to acquire a Certificate of Occupancy before commencing building.

KANUPDA managing director, Dayyabu Zubairu Gano, told reporters that the church structure was removed after the authorities served a notice four months ago advising them to prove its legitimacy or remove it.

The church said received an official letter early this month ordering them to vacate their property.

Church officials subsequently appealed to local authorities and were still awaiting a response when the church was demolished.

The UK-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) called on the state government of Kano to fully review the circumstances surrounding demolition. CSW is a human rights organization which specializes in religious freedom.

CSW advocacy director Alexa Papadouris said: "It is disappointing that the Catholic Church in Naibawa was demolished even though an appeal was pending. Moreover, the burning and looting of church property during an operation supervised by the police and state employees is wholly unacceptable."