By Luminous Jannamike

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded swift and decisive action after gunmen attacked a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, killing a Pastor and abducting several worshippers during an open-air crusade.

The response from the apex Christian body reflects growing concern over a string of similar attacks, with CAN warning that the violence is no longer isolated.

It demanded urgent rescue efforts, arrests and a stronger security response to stem what it describes as a worsening situation.

In a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said it received reports of the incident with shock and outrage.

Archbishop Okoh said, “This is a chilling and utterly reprehensible act. This is not merely an attack on a church; it is a direct assault on human dignity, freedom of worship, and the sanctity of life.”

CAN expressed sympathy with the family of the slain Pastor and solidarity with affected worshippers, while demanding the immediate release of those abducted.

“We mourn with the family of the slain Pastor, and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of those taken captive,” the CAN President added.

Linking the incident to a broader pattern, CAN cited recent attacks in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, where gunmen abducted residents, including clergy and their families.

“These recurring incidents point to a worsening security breakdown that demands urgent national attention,” it said.

Raising wider concerns about public safety, the association warned against the increasing vulnerability of communities and places of worship.

CAN said, “No place of worship must ever be reduced to a soft target for criminal violence.

“We state unequivocally: the protection of lives and property is the foremost responsibility of government.

“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay.”

Beyond the immediate response, CAN urged authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable areas and adopt intelligence-led measures to prevent further attacks.

“The nation must draw a firm line: the targeting of innocent citizens, especially in sacred spaces, is unacceptable,” it added.

The association warned against complacency, saying such acts must never be allowed to fester or become normalised.

CAN also offered prayers for the bereaved and those still in captivity, while calling for the restoration of peace and security across the country.