Kwara Church Attack Condemned, Demands for Abducted Worshippers' Rescue

The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticized the bandit attack that occurred on Tuesday at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwar...

The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticized the bandit attack that occurred on Tuesday at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, calling the event a sorrowful reminder of the ongoing insecurity throughout the nation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh conveyed his sorrow regarding the attack that resulted in the deaths and capture of several congregants during a prayer session.

Okoh urged the security agencies to move quickly in rescuing the captured worshippers, while also demanding a clear investigation into how the incident took place.

Representing the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, I convey my sorrow regarding the violent assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and several others taken during a prayer meeting.

The attack on peaceful individuals assembled for religious services serves as a sorrowful reminder of the increasing uncertainty experienced by Christian groups throughout the nation.

We stand united with the families who have lost family members, with those who were harmed, with the kidnapped individuals, and with the entire Eruku community during this time of sorrow. Their suffering is our shared sorrow, and their anguish is a burden no religious community should ever have to face.

"We urge the security agencies to act quickly to free the kidnapped worshippers and to hold those responsible accountable. A transparent and reliable investigation is crucial to uncover how this attack occurred, determine any security shortcomings, and rebuild public trust," he stated.

PUNCH previously stated that at least three worshippers were killed at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, with several others taken hostage, after suspected bandits attacked a Tuesday evening service, firing randomly before focusing on the attendees.

A spokesperson from the State Police Public Relations Department, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, later verified that one worshipper died in the attack, with another victim's body discovered in the bush.

In his remarks, the CAN President stated that the attack "contributes to a recurring trend of attacks against Christian communities in fragile areas," highlighting that government officials have frequently overlooked worries about targeted violence, even though these concerns are valid.

We express serious worry that the Eruku attack contributes to a recurring trend of attacks against Christian communities in fragile areas, an issue CAN has repeatedly brought to the attention of government officials and the global community.

"Despite official dismissals of concerns about targeted violence, the rising occurrence and severity of such events keep generating valid national and international worry," Okoh said.

He stressed the critical importance of enhancing the protection of religious sites, noting that the incident also underscored the necessity of a comprehensive national security plan to address terrorism, robbery, and extreme violence in a manner that ensures security and respect for every Nigerian, irrespective of their religion.

CAN also urge traditional and religious leaders to assist in keeping the peace and stopping any type of retaliation, emphasizing that "our shared attention should stay on justice, recovery, and peace, achieved through legal and positive methods."

The statement further noted, 'We will keep a close watch on the situation and work with officials and allies to make sure that those affected by the Eruku attack get justice, and that Christian groups throughout Nigeria are more secure.'

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