CAN demands swift rescue of abducted Ekiti church members

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ekiti State.

​A statement by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Wednesday described the incident as a “brutal assault on shared humanity and the sanctity of life”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade at the church.

​Okoh expressed deep shock over the killing, noting that it was disturbing for peaceful worshippers to be met with such violence.

​”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,” the statement read.

​The CAN president lamented that the tragedy followed a “disturbing pattern” of insecurity across the country.

​He recalled a recent incident in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi, where gunmen abducted residents, including clergy and their family members.

​He said these repeated attacks underscore a deepening security crisis that must not be ignored by the authorities.

​The association reminded the government that the protection of lives and property remains its primary responsibility.

​It urged security agencies to act “swiftly, decisively, and transparently” to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the unharmed rescue of the victims.

To prevent future attacks, CAN outlined recommendations for the government, including the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable and rural communities.

​The association also recommended the enhancement of proactive intelligence gathering to forestall criminal activities, while demanding that the perpetrators of the Ekiti atrocity be apprehended and brought to justice without delay.

​Okoh further warned against the “normalisation” of attacks on places of worship, describing them as places of refuge that should never become hunting grounds for criminals.

​The association prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and the restoration of peace and security across Nigeria. (NAN)