Gunmen Attack Nigerian Church, Kill Two and Kidnap Pastor and Worshippers
Armed men storm Eruku church, killing two and abducting pastor and worshippers
- Gunmen attack Eruku church, killing at least two and abducting the pastor and worshippers
- Incident follows the recent kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state
- Authorities deploy additional security forces as video shows worshippers fleeing under gunfire
Gunmen launched a deadly attack on a church in Eruku, central Nigeria, on Tuesday evening, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor along with several worshippers, according to police and witnesses.
The incident comes just days after 25 girls were kidnapped from a boarding school in the northwest.
The attack intensifies scrutiny on the Nigerian government, which is under pressure from international voices, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action over what he describes as persecution of Christians. Rapper Nicki Minaj also called for global action, stating at the U.S. embassy to the United Nations that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted, displaced, and killed.
Nigeria faces multiple security challenges, including an Islamist insurgency in the northeast, widespread kidnappings and killings by armed gangs in the northwest, and violent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and largely Christian farmers in the central belt. The government maintains that external criticisms overlook ongoing efforts to protect religious freedom for all communities.
In the Eruku attack, police responded after reports of gunfire around 6 p.m. One victim was found shot inside the church and another in nearby bushland, according to Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, police spokesperson for Kwara state. Witnesses reported seeing at least three church members killed. Parishioner Joseph Bitrus said the assailants rounded up worshippers, including the pastor, and took them into the bush, though the exact number remains unclear.
A video verified by Reuters showed worshippers fleeing in panic as gunmen entered the Christ Apostolic Church during service, seizing belongings and opening fire.
Following the attack, the Kwara state governor has requested the rapid deployment of additional security forces. Meanwhile, authorities continue searching for the 25 girls abducted from a government girls’ school in Kebbi state, with Vice President Kashim Shettima scheduled to visit the area to meet officials and parents.
