The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denounced the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, describing it as another disturbing sign of what it considers a growing and undeniable pattern of targeted violence against Christian worship communities nationwide.
The assault, which left several worshippers dead and others abducted during a prayer service, has intensified calls for urgent and decisive national security action.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, the association expressed deep grief over the killings and kidnappings and urged the government to act swiftly to rescue those still in captivity while ensuring that those responsible face justice.
“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,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN said the tragedy has once again exposed the vulnerability of communities where Christians gather for worship and warned that the recurring violence is inflicting heavy emotional, spiritual and social wounds on families and congregations.
“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,” the apex Christian body said.
The association stressed that the Eruku attack is not an isolated occurrence but a continuation of a troubling pattern it has consistently flagged to Nigerian authorities and the international community over the years.
“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,” Archbishop Okoh added.
CAN called on security forces to demonstrate both urgency and transparency in their response, insisting that accountability and clarity are crucial to restoring public trust.
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 explained.
The association also renewed its long-standing call for stronger and sustained protection of places of worship, noting that communities repeatedly threatened by attacks need more than temporary intervention — they need structural security guarantees.
“We emphasise the urgent need for stronger protection of places of worship, especially in areas repeatedly exposed to violent threats. This tragedy further highlights the importance of a long-term national security strategy capable of confronting terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent extremism in a way that guarantees safety and dignity for all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith,” CAN declared.
Archbishop Okoh further urged all community leaders to maintain calm and discourage retaliation, emphasising that Nigeria must pursue justice and healing through lawful and peaceful avenues.
“We appeal to religious, traditional and community leaders to help maintain calm and prevent any form of reprisal. Our collective focus must remain on justice, healing and peace, pursued through lawful and constructive means,” the CAN President declared.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to follow developments closely and to work with government bodies and partners to ensure justice for the Eruku victims while pushing for improved protection for Christian communities across the country.
“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,” CAN said.
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