Remains of the Seventh-day Adventist Church burned down by MP Salva Mathok in Warrap State. (Photo: Courtesy).

The government of Warrap State says it has formed a committee to investigate the burning of a Seventh-day Adventist church in Gogrial East last week.

On Sunday, Pastor Daniel Marach – the Church’s Director for Public Affairs in Greater Bahr el Ghazal – said unknown people set the house of worship ablaze on Thursday.

Pastor Daniel said he believes their ‘serious teaching’ which contradicts some cultures of the local people could have been the reason why the church was targeted.

In response, the state minister of information William Wol Mayom says the committee led by the minister of Gender and Social welfare is expected to report to the state council of ministers within seven days.

He says the state government will not tolerate such act to happen without any accountability.

“The government of Warap State under the leadership of Honorable Aleu Anyieny Aleu has learned of this incident, and immediately directed the Minister of Gender and Social Development and the Minister of Youth and Sport to investigate the incident,” Wol told Eye Radio on Monday.

“Therefore, the government of Warrap State will find out what was the root cause of Akeer Aguak church being burned down.”

Minister Wol urged the congregation and all church members and community to be calm as the government is taking full responsibility for the matter

“I’m urging the congregation of the Seventh-day Adventist church to remain calm, the government of Warap State will not leave the incident on a salient fear,” he said.

“And also, we are urging the communities to remain also calm because we believe that the church or congregations who are operating at the level of Warap State are actually following their own beliefs and church ethics.”

He adds: “If anyone has gone wrong, it will be the sole responsibility of Warrap State to bring that church the right channel.”

According to media reports in 2017, more than 150 followers of the church were allegedly arrested and tortured by police authorities in the defunct Tonj State.

The reports quoting Pastor Wol Adegwun who was a district leader at the time alleged that the Adventists were forced to drink alcohol and smoke tobacco while in police custody.