CAN Condemns Ekiti Church Attack As Gunmen Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, where gunmen reportedly killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and a brutal assault on shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

“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,” he said.

President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who signed the release, said the association received the news with deep shock and grave concern.

CAN mourned with the family of the slain pastor and expressed 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,” Okoh added.

CAN warned that the latest tragedy comes amid a disturbing pattern of attacks, recalling that only recently gunmen struck communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting residents including clergy, their families, and other community members.

“These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored,” he said.

The association called on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently, demanding that those responsible for the atrocity be apprehended and brought to justice without delay.

“Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed,” CAN urged.

CAN further called on the government to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks.

“The killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers gathered to commune with their Creator is deeply troubling. It reflects a grave disregard for life, for faith, and for the moral fabric of our society,” he added.

Okoh stressed that Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge.

“May God comfort the bereaved, protect those in captivity, and restore peace and security to our land,” he concluded.