Residents of Katchuan Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State are grappling with renewed safety concerns following an early-morning arson attack on St. Mary Quasi Parish Catholic Church, an incident that has unsettled the quiet northern community.

The attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Thursday, when unknown persons allegedly forced their way into the church premises and set parts of the building on fire, according to church officials and residents familiar with the incident.

In an unsigned statement, the church said the intruders targeted the Sacrament area, where sacred items and sections of the altar were badly damaged, raising questions about the vulnerability of worship centres during off-peak hours.

The fire also extended beyond the main building, with vehicles belonging to the parish priest, parked within the compound, reportedly set ablaze during the attack, deepening concerns about the safety of clergy and property within religious premises.

Church authorities said emergency responders were contacted immediately, while local efforts helped to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures in the community.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying security agencies have begun a manhunt for those behind the attack as part of efforts to reassure residents and prevent a recurrence.

Police spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday Akata said preliminary findings indicate that records kept in the church sacristy were destroyed, along with a Lexus RX 350 and a Toyota Corolla belonging to the parish priest.

He added that no arrests have been made so far, but the case has been formally documented and transferred to Okundi Police Station for discreet investigation, as authorities work to determine the motive and strengthen security around vulnerable public spaces.