Outrage as Gunmen Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers in Ekiti — CAN Demands Justice

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

CAN President, Daniel Okoh, described the incident as an assault on humanity and called on security agencies and relevant authorities to reinforce security presence, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities.
“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,” he said.
He noted that the tragedy reflects a troubling pattern of attacks, pointing out that only recently, gunmen targeted communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting residents, including clergy, their families, and other community members. According to him, these recurring incidents highlight a worsening security crisis that must no longer be ignored.
Okoh therefore urged authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently to apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.
“Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed,” he added.
He stressed the need to communicate these concerns clearly and firmly to the appropriate authorities, warning that Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places meant to serve as refuge.