The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, calling for urgent efforts to rescue the victims and improve security in vulnerable communities.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night at about 8:30 p.m. during a church programme in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, when gunmen stormed the worship centre, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers. The attack has since thrown the community into panic, with growing concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the incident as “deeply disturbing,” strongly condemning what he termed an assault on both faith and humanity.
“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. People had gathered peacefully to worship God, and they were met with violence,” the statement read.
“This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.”
CAN expressed condolences to the family of the slain cleric and extended solidarity to the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State. It also called for the immediate and safe release of those abducted.
“We mourn with the family of the slain pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, and we call for their immediate and safe release,” it added.
Linking the attack to a broader wave of insecurity, the association referenced similar incidents in other parts of the country, including Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, where residents and clergy were reportedly abducted.
CAN warned that repeated attacks on places of worship and rural communities were heightening fear nationwide.
“No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals,” it stated.
The association urged government and security agencies to take swift and decisive action, stressing that protecting lives and property remains a core responsibility of the state.
“We call on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently. Those responsible must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” CAN said.
It also called for increased security presence in rural and vulnerable communities, alongside improved intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.
