CAN Condemns Ekiti Church Attack, Demands Swift Rescue of Abducted Worshippers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ekiti State, describing it as a “brutal assault on shared humanity and the sanctity of life”.

In a statement on Wednesday by its President, Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed shock over the incident, in which gunmen reportedly killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade.

According to reports, the attackers invaded the church service, leaving casualties and taking some congregants hostage.

“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 statement read.

The CAN president said the attack reflects a “disturbing pattern” of rising insecurity across the country.

He also referenced a recent incident in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, where gunmen abducted residents, including clergy and their family members.

According to him, the repeated assaults highlight a deepening security crisis that requires urgent attention from authorities.

The association reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.

It urged security agencies to act “swiftly, decisively, and transparently” to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted victims unharmed.

CAN further recommended the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable and rural communities, as well as improved intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks.

The association also insisted that those responsible for the Ekiti attack must be arrested and brought to justice without delay.

Okoh warned against the “normalisation” of attacks on places of worship, stressing that they are meant to be sanctuaries and should never become targets for violence.

He prayed for comfort for bereaved families and called for lasting peace and improved security across Nigeria.