The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attack by bandits on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, which occurred on Tuesday, labeling it a distressing reminder of the ongoing insecurity in the nation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed his sorrow over the incident, which resulted in the death and abduction of several worshippers during a prayer service and demanded a swift rescue of the kidnapped ones.
Archbishop Okoh urged security forces to take immediate action to rescue those who were kidnapped and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“On behalf of the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, I express my sorrow over the violent assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and others taken hostage during a prayer service.
“This attack on peaceful individuals gathered for worship serves as a painful reminder of the escalating insecurity faced by Christian communities throughout the country.
“We stand in solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, the abducted individuals, and the entire Eruku community during this difficult time. Their suffering is our shared suffering, and their trauma is something no faith community should ever have to endure.
“We urge security agencies to act quickly to rescue the abducted worshippers and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“A transparent and credible investigation is crucial to uncover how this attack occurred, identify security failures, and restore public trust,” he stated.
The Trumpet recakls that at least three worshippers were killed at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, while several others were abducted, when suspected bandits invaded a Tuesday evening service, firing shots indiscriminately before targeting the congregants.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, later confirmed that one worshipper was killed during the attack, while another victim’s body was discovered in the bush.
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In his statement, the CAN president noted that this incident “adds to a troubling trend of repeated attacks on Christian populations in vulnerable areas,” pointing out that government officials have often downplayed concerns about targeted violence despite valid worries.
“We express deep concern that the Eruku attack is part of a disturbing pattern of repeated assaults on Christian communities in at-risk regions, an issue CAN has consistently brought to the attention of government authorities and the international community.
“Although official responses have frequently dismissed fears of targeted violence, the increasing frequency and severity of these incidents continue to raise legitimate national and global concerns,” Archbishop Okoh remarked.
He stressed the urgent need for enhanced protection of places of worship and highlighted that the tragedy underscores the necessity for a comprehensive national security strategy to address terrorism and banditry.
