The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the killing of a pastor and abduction of worshippers during an attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, describing the incident as a “heinous act” and a threat to humanity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, CAN said it received reports of the attack with “deep shock and grave concern,” noting that gunmen struck during an open-air crusade, killing a cleric and taking several worshippers hostage.
“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,” the statement read.
The association expressed solidarity with the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State, while mourning the slain pastor and calling for the safe return of those abducted.
“We mourn with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims… Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, and we call for their immediate and safe release,” CAN stated.
The body linked the incident to a growing wave of insecurity, citing a recent attack in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, where gunmen reportedly abducted residents, including clergy and their families.
“These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored,” it said.
Raising concerns over the safety of citizens, CAN stressed that places of worship must not become targets for violence.
“No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals,” the statement added.
The association called on government and security agencies to act decisively, insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice.
“We must be unequivocal: the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of the 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.”
CAN also urged authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and adopt proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks.
“We also urge the government to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks,” it said.
The association warned against normalising attacks on worshippers, describing the killing and abduction as a reflection of “grave disregard for life, for faith, and for the moral fabric of society.”
“Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge,” the statement emphasized.
