The Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the recent bandit attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, calling it a “heartbreaking reminder” of the country’s growing insecurity.
In a statement released on Thursday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh expressed deep sorrow over the assault, which resulted in both deaths and the abduction of worshippers during a prayer service.
Okoh urged security agencies to act promptly to rescue those abducted and called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“On behalf of the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, I express sadness over the violent attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and several others abducted during a prayer service.
“This assault on peaceful citizens gathered for worship is a heartbreaking reminder of the growing insecurity facing Christian communities across the country.
“We stand in solidarity with the families who lost loved ones, with those injured, with the abducted, and with the entire Eruku community in their moment of grief. Their pain is our collective pain, and their trauma is one that no community of faith should ever be forced to endure.
“We call on the security agencies to move swiftly to rescue the abducted worshippers and to bring the perpetrators to justice. A transparent and credible investigation is essential to reveal how this attack happened, identify lapses in security, and restore public confidence,” he said.
The PUNCH earlier indicated that at least three worshippers were killed, with several others abducted after suspected bandits stormed the Tuesday evening service, opening fire on congregants.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, later confirmed that one worshipper was killed during the attack, while another body was discovered in a nearby bush.
Archbishop Okoh noted that the Eruku incident “adds to a pattern of repeated assaults on Christian populations in vulnerable regions,” emphasising that government authorities have often downplayed concerns about targeted violence despite the legitimate fears of communities.
“We note with deep concern that the Eruku attack adds to a pattern of repeated assaults on Christian populations in vulnerable regions, an issue CAN has consistently raised before government authorities and the international community.
Although official responses have often dismissed fears of targeted violence, the frequency and intensity of these incidents continue to provoke legitimate national and global alarm,” Okoh stated.
He further highlighted the need for stronger security at places of worship and stressed that the tragedy underscores the importance of a long-term national strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism while safeguarding the dignity and safety of all Nigerians.
CAN also called on traditional and religious leaders to promote calm and discourage any retaliatory actions, emphasising that “our collective focus must remain on justice, healing, and peace, pursued through lawful and constructive means.”
“We will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with authorities and partners to ensure that the victims of the Eruku attack receive justice and that Christian communities across Nigeria are better protected,” the statement concluded.
