CAN Condemns Attack on Kwara Church, Seeks Urgent Rescue of Abducted Worshippers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denounced the violent raid on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, calling the incident another painful indication of the country’s worsening security situation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed deep sorrow over the attack, which resulted in casualties and the abduction of several worshippers attending a prayer meeting.

According to Okoh, the assault is “a tragic blow to a community gathered in peace,” adding that the organisation stands firmly with bereaved families and those whose loved ones remain missing.

He appealed to security agencies to act without delay to locate and free the abducted victims and urged authorities to open a transparent investigation into the circumstances that allowed the attackers to operate freely.

Okoh said, “Our hearts are with the families in Eruku who are mourning, those tending to injuries, and those still anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones.

“This incident yet again underscores the vulnerability of Christian communities in several parts of the country.”

Earlier reports revealed that suspected bandits invaded the church on Tuesday evening, shooting sporadically before seizing worshippers. At least one person was confirmed dead by the police, while another body was later found in the surrounding bushes.

CAN also raised concerns about what it described as a recurring pattern of assaults on Christian communities, noting that previous warnings to government authorities had not been treated with sufficient urgency.

Okoh renewed calls for increased protection around worship centres and stressed the need for a long-term, coordinated national strategy to confront banditry, terrorism, and violent extremism.

He further urged community and religious leaders to discourage any form of retaliation and instead prioritise calm, unity, and lawful pursuit of justice.

CAN affirmed that it would continue to engage with security operatives and stakeholders to ensure justice for victims of the Eruku attack and enhanced protection for Christian communities across the country.