The Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on a church in Ekiti State, calling for urgent government action to rescue the victims and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
Gunmen had reportedly invaded a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, on Tuesday night, killing a cleric and abducting several worshippers during a service.
The attack, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., has sparked fear among residents, with many expressing concerns over rising insecurity in the area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, described the incident as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. People had gathered peacefully to worship, only to be met with violence,” he said.
“This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.”
The association extended condolences to the family of the slain pastor and expressed solidarity with the affected worshippers and the wider Christian community in the state.
“We mourn with the family of the slain pastor and stand with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti. Our thoughts are with those abducted, and we call for their immediate and safe release,” Okoh added.
CAN also linked the incident to a growing pattern of insecurity across parts of the country, warning that attacks on places of worship and rural communities are becoming increasingly frequent.
“This development heightens fears about the safety of lives and communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship should become a target for criminals,” the statement read.
The body urged the government and security agencies to act swiftly and decisively, stressing that the protection of citizens remains a primary responsibility of the state.
“We call on the authorities to act promptly, transparently, and decisively. Those responsible must be brought to justice, and every effort must be made to rescue the abducted unharmed,” Okoh said.
CAN further called for increased security presence in rural areas and improved intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks, warning that continued violence against civilians poses serious social and moral consequences.
