The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday issued a strong warning over the rising attacks on Christian communities, saying the killing of pastors and repeated desecration of churches through bloodshed can no longer be tolerated.
The organisation reacted to a recent attack in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, where gunmen stormed a church during a crusade, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
CAN also referenced a separate incident in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, where armed attackers abducted residents, including clergy members, their families, and other community members.
Describing the incidents as deeply disturbing, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Wednesday, said the attacks reflect a serious disregard for human life, religious freedom, and the moral foundation of society.
He stated, “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.”
Okoh also expressed grief over the killing of the pastor in Ekiti State and extended solidarity to affected families and the wider Christian community.
“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,” he added.
CAN urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted victims and prevent further attacks on places of worship and rural communities across the country.
