By Samson Adeyanju 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has described the recent attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, where a pastor was killed and several worshippers abducted, as an assault on the Church, human dignity, and the sanctity of life.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the President of CAN, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep shock over the incident, noting that the victims were attacked while peacefully gathered for an open-air crusade.

The association strongly condemned the violence, stressing that it was not only an attack on a place of worship but also a “brutal assault on shared humanity.”

CAN mourned with the family of the slain pastor and expressed solidarity with the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State. It also called for the immediate and safe release of those abducted, urging security agencies to act without delay.

The association further noted that the Ekiti incident reflects a disturbing pattern of insecurity, referencing similar attacks in parts of Kogi State where residents, including clergy and their families, were abducted. It warned that the repeated incidents point to a deepening security crisis in the country.

CAN stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, calling for swift, decisive, and transparent action to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victims unharmed.

It also urged authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and improve intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.

The body condemned what it described as the growing normalization of violence against worshippers, warning that such acts reflect a dangerous disregard for life, faith, and national values.

It called on Nigerians and relevant authorities to speak out firmly against insecurity and ensure that places of worship are not turned into targets for criminal attacks.

CAN concluded by praying for comfort for the bereaved families, the safe return of the abducted worshippers, and lasting peace and security in the country.

By Samson Adeyanju

The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians during a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, describing the incident as unacceptable and a grim reminder of the country’s worsening security situation.

In a press statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association decried the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North, where armed men reportedly stormed a civilian community and opened fire on defenceless residents.

CAN lamented that what should have been a sacred day of peace and reflection turned into a moment of bloodshed, as men, women and children were killed in cold blood, leaving families shattered and the community traumatised.

The apex Christian body expressed deep concern over reports that the attackers wore uniforms resembling those of Nigerian security forces, warning that such tactics could erode public trust in the military and other security institutions.

“This development is particularly alarming and must be thoroughly investigated,” the statement noted, stressing that security agencies must not only respond to attacks but also take proactive steps to prevent them.

While acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government, CAN insisted that temporary responses are no longer sufficient, calling for sustained and effective strategies to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

The association further noted that Nigerians are weary of recurring violence and routine condemnations, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

CAN also advised Christians across the country to remain prayerful but vigilant during the Holy Week, especially as they participate in religious activities such as Good Friday observances and Easter vigils.

The statement emphasised that while faith remains strong, it must be complemented with wisdom and caution in the face of rising insecurity.

“A nation cannot keep bleeding like this and expect to move forward,” CAN declared, adding that the country owes the victims justice, the living protection, and future generations a safer society.

By Samson Adeyanju

Pope Leo XIV has declared that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war, as Christians across the world marked Palm Sunday with renewed calls for peace and reflection.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican before thousands of worshippers, the Pope delivered a strong message against violence, insisting that Jesus Christ, the “King of Peace,” cannot be used to justify war under any circumstance.

He warned that God does not listen to those whose actions are marked by bloodshed, in remarks widely seen as a reaction to the ongoing Iran war.

The pontiff, who has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, described military airstrikes as indiscriminate and urged global leaders to embrace dialogue over conflict.

Similarly, in Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama called on Christians to embrace sacrifice and hope, stressing that true victory comes through suffering.

Delivering his Palm Sunday homily at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Kaigama explained that while Palm Sunday celebrates Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, it also ushers in His passion and suffering.

He noted that the waving of palms symbolizes victory, peace and unity, while Christ’s humble entry on a donkey reflects a kingdom built not on violence or domination, but on peace and service.

The Archbishop warned that human loyalty can be fleeting, recalling how cries of “Hosanna” quickly turned to “crucify him.”

Kaigama also urged political leaders to govern with fairness and empathy, stressing that power should be used for service rather than oppression. He called for credible elections, justice, and equitable distribution of resources, warning against actions that could undermine public trust.

In the same vein, the Christian Association of Nigeria, in a statement signed by its President, Daniel Okoh, urged Nigerian leaders to show empathy and take deliberate steps to ease the burden on citizens amid rising economic hardship.

The association linked current economic challenges to global tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, noting that rising fuel, transport and food costs are already impacting Nigerians. It emphasized that leadership must inspire confidence through calm, responsible actions that promote stability and unity.

CAN further encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, urging citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of one another during the Holy Week.

Across both global and local messages, a common theme emerged: a call for peace, humility, and responsible leadership. As Christians begin the Holy Week journey, religious leaders insist that faith must inspire unity and compassion in a world increasingly marked by conflict and uncertainty.