The Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on a church programme in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, calling on authorities to rescue the victims and improve security in vulnerable communities.
The reaction followed Tuesday night’s attack by gunmen on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, where a pastor was killed and several worshippers were abducted.
The assault reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. during a church gathering, leaving residents gripped by fear amid concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh described the attack as “deeply disturbing, to say the least.”
The association condemned the incident, saying it was an attack on both religion and humanity.
It stated, “We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. People had gathered peacefully to worship God, and they were met with violence.
“This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.”
CAN sympathised with the family of the slain pastor and expressed support for the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State.
The body also called for immediate action to secure the freedom of those abducted.
The statement read, “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.”
The association linked the incident to the growing insecurity across parts of the country, citing recent abductions in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State involving residents, clerics, and their family members.
CAN warned that repeated attacks on worship centres and rural communities were increasing fear among citizens nationwide.
It stated, “This attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and the protection of communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals.”
The association urged the government and security agencies to act quickly and decisively, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s primary duty.
It declared, “We must be unequivocal: the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government. We call on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently.
“Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed.”
CAN also advocated increased security deployment in rural and high-risk communities, alongside stronger intelligence gathering to prevent similar attacks in the future.
