The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for a full investigation into Tuesday’s attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and several others abducted during an evening prayer service.
In a statement on Thursday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the assault as a heartbreaking reminder of the escalating insecurity confronting Christian communities across the country. He said the association stands firmly with the bereaved families, the injured, the abducted, and the entire Eruku community.
“Their pain is our collective pain, and their trauma is one that no community of faith should ever be forced to endure,” Okoh said.
He noted that the incident adds to “a pattern of repeated assaults on Christian populations in vulnerable regions,” an issue CAN has consistently raised before Nigerian authorities and the international community. Despite assurances, he said, the frequency and severity of attacks continue to raise legitimate national and global concern.
CAN urged security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the abducted worshippers and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that a transparent investigation is necessary to determine how the bandits penetrated the community and why the attack was not prevented.
“The affected families also require immediate medical, emotional and material support at this difficult time,” he added.
The association reiterated the need for stronger protection of places of worship, especially in areas repeatedly targeted by violent groups. It argued that the Eruku tragedy underscores the urgency of developing a long-term national security strategy capable of confronting terrorism, banditry and violent extremism in a sustainable, coordinated manner.
CAN also appealed to religious and community leaders to maintain calm and avoid reprisals, insisting the focus must remain on justice, healing and peace achieved through lawful means.
“We will continue to monitor developments and engage with authorities and partners to ensure that the victims of the Eruku attack receive justice and that Christian communities across Nigeria are better protected,” the statement said.
Friday Olokor, Abuja
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