‘Affront to God’ – Kwara CAN condemns church attack

‘Affront to God’ – Kwara CAN condemns church attack

By Dele Moses, Ilorin

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara State has condemned the attack on a church in Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state by bandits, describing it as an affront to God, violation of collective peace and freedom of worship.

A group of gunmen had on Tuesday evening attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun in the community during a service and reportedly killed three people and abducted many others among the worshippers.

The CAN, in a statement signed by its chairman, Bishop Sunday Adewole, and secretary, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, said the attack was wicked, barbaric and distasteful.

The christian body which noted that this was the first time in recent history that such an attack would be happening in the state said the incident was deeply troubling.

It called on security agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure a safe recovery of the abducted victims.

The statement reads: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, received with deep sorrow and great distress the news of the violent attack on worshippers during a revival service at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. This tragic incident, which led to the killing of innocent Christians and the abduction of several others, is grievous, unacceptable, and a direct assault on the sanctity of the church. This is the first time in recent history that such an attack of this magnitude is happening within Kwara State, and it is deeply troubling.

“We strongly condemn this wicked, barbaric and distasteful attack. An invasion of a church during a service is an affront to God, an attack on the entire Christian community, and a violation of our collective peace, freedom of worship, and humanity.

“We call on all security agencies— the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, and all relevant security formations— to immediately swing into action, track down the perpetrators, and ensure the safe recovery of all abducted victims. We urge the security operatives to intensify surveillance, secure the community, and prevent a recurrence of this painful experience.

“The Kwara State CAN leadership is already reaching out to the State Government, the Commissioner of Police, and all relevant security stakeholders for assistance, cooperation, and immediate intervention. We have also formally notified the National Leadership of CAN, who are fully aware and standing in solidarity with us.

“In the spirit of compassion and solidarity, the State Chairman, Bishop Sunday Adewole, and the State Secretary, Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, paid a condolence visit to Eruku, the CAC Church, and the entire community. We were warmly received by the Local Government Coordinator and the Supervisor of Eruku. During the visit, we prayed for the community, the families of the victims, and for God’s healing, peace, and protection over the land.

“To the Christian community in Eruku, we want you to know that you are not alone. We stand with you in your pain, suffering, and agony. Our hearts are with the families of the victims, and we join in prayers for comfort, strength, and divine protection. We pray for the safe return of all abducted persons and for God’s peace to reign in Eruku and across Kwara State.

“We call on all Christians in the state to remain calm, vigilant, prayerful, and united during this trying period. May God heal our land.”