The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the attack on a church crusade in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, where gunmen killed a cleric and abducted several worshippers.
The organisation described the incident as a grave violation of human dignity and an assault on peaceful worshippers gathered for a religious programme.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body said it was deeply saddened by the killings and kidnappings, stressing that such acts have no place in a civilised society.
According to reports, armed men stormed an open-air church event, killing the pastor and whisking away several participants in the process.
CAN expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and the wider Christian community in Ekiti State, while also calling for urgent efforts to secure the release of those taken.
“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 association warned that the attack reflects a troubling continuation of insecurity across parts of the country, referencing similar incidents in other states, including recent abductions in Kogi State.
It said repeated assaults on civilians and religious gatherings highlight an urgent need for stronger security intervention and coordinated intelligence efforts.
CAN reminded authorities that safeguarding lives remains a core duty of government, urging security agencies to respond without delay and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The body also called for increased security presence in rural and vulnerable communities, alongside improved intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.
It further cautioned against what it described as the normalisation of violence targeting places of worship, noting that such spaces should remain sanctuaries of peace rather than targets for criminals.
Archbishop Okoh prayed for comfort for affected families and urged swift restoration of peace across the country.