CAN Demands Justice for Slain, Abducted Worshippers in Kwara Church Attack
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the violent attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
The assault, which occurred during a prayer service, reportedly left several worshippers dead while an unspecified number were abducted by armed assailants.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Christian community and raised fresh concerns over the safety of places of worship across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed profound sadness over what he termed a “heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable” act of violence.
He stressed that the repeated targeting of Christian worship centres highlights the urgent need for government and security agencies to reinforce protection for vulnerable communities.
Okoh called on security operatives to launch an immediate and well-coordinated operation to rescue the abducted worshippers and apprehend the perpetrators.
He emphasized that allowing such attacks to go unpunished only emboldens criminal groups and undermines public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
“We demand swift action from the government and security agencies. Justice must be served, and the safety of all Nigerians—regardless of their faith—must be guaranteed,” the statement read.
The Christian body also appealed to members of the affected community to remain calm and avoid reprisals, warning that retaliatory attacks could escalate tensions and worsen the already fragile security situation.
CAN urged the federal and state governments to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing mechanisms, and invest in long-term solutions to address banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings that continue to plague the nation.
The association offered prayers for the families of the slain worshippers and expressed solidarity with the Eruku community as authorities work to restore peace and security in the area.
