African Democratic Congress, Saraki Condemn Kwara Church Killing

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the killing and abduction of worshippers at  Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, warning that the “Christian genocide” narrative, previously dismissed, is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy under the Tinubu administration.

Similarly, former Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki has condemned the terrorist attack on Eruku town, Kwara state, describing it as a “seriously disturbing incident’’ that has shattered the peace of the community.

Gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, killing some  worshippers during a church service, and abducting others, including the pastor.

In a statement by ADC national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the federal government of being reactive and defensive instead of confronting the challenge.

The ADC said the tragedy is another painful reminder of the pervasive insecurity that has taken roots across the country.

“Coming within hours of another attack in Kebbi State where school officials were killed and students abducted, this particularly brutal attack and abduction gives the  impression that this government has lost control and Nigerians now live at the mercy of gun men who are now emboldened by the government’s failure to act decisively.”

The ADC said it is particularly concerned that the Christian genocide narrative, “which we dismissed when it was first proposed, is gradually becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy due to the failure of the government to conduct an honest appraisal of the problem.”

The party said it was dismayed by the statement  made by the minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a recent interview claiming that only 177 Christians have been killed in the last five years.

“We find this statement unfortunate and offensive. And if it reflects the thinking within the Federal Government,  such a statement would explain why this government has failed to address the problem and why they cannot be trusted to solve it.

“We would like to reiterate, deaths cannot be reduced to numbers. It does not matter how many people have been killed or what religion or language they speak.

As seen in the video on Eruku church attack, one poor old woman, cut down by bullets while she prays is enough.

“But this government does not know how to take responsibility or how to be accountable. Or else, how can an official of government engage in the wrong-headedness and dangerous race to the bottom argument over which religious group has recorded more casualties in the country.

“Does 117 deaths make this situation more acceptable? Or, does the argument that more Muslims have been killed make it less tragic?

“In addition to the wanton killings, what is shaping up as another great tragedy is the Tinubu government’s defensive mind set and its growing tendency to minimise the scale of this crisis. But the truth is that under this Tinubu administration, Nigeria is fast turning to a killing field, and the President not appear to recognise that his most important job is to protect life.

Nigeria is bleeding, communities are grieving, families are being destroyed, and the government continues to respond with excuses, denial, and dangerous rhetoric.

“The ADC calls on the Federal Government to arrest this growing anarchy before it consumes us all. Nigerians deserve protection, not platitudes. Our houses of worship must be safe, our communities must be safe, our country must be safe.

On his part, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has condemned the terrorist attack on Eruku town, Kwara state, describing it as a “seriously disturbing incident’’ that has shattered the peace of the community.

In a statement on Thursday via his X handle, he sympathised with those affected, saying, “I pray for Allah’s healing, restoration and strength at this difficult time.”

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of the kidnapped victims, adding that Kwara’s position as a gateway between the North and South makes it deserving of stronger security.

“I also enjoin the security agencies to put a solid arrangement in place that will secure Eruku town, in particular, and all parts of Kwara State”,  he said.

He prayed for Allah to heal the land and help Nigeria overcome insecurity.