Nigeria Church Attack: Jihadists Kill 3, Abduct Pastor
- Armed men attacked the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) congregation in Eruku, Kwara state, Nigeria, on Tuesday evening, November 19, 2024.
- The attack occurred shortly after members arrived for a meeting.
- Church member Joseph Bitrus reported to Reuters that the gunmen rounded up several worshippers, including the pastor, and led them into the bush.
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Nigeria Church Attack: Pastor and Worshippers Kidnapped in Kwara State
What Happened: The Attack on Christ Apostolic Church
Armed men attacked the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) congregation in Eruku, Kwara state, Nigeria, on Tuesday evening, November 19, 2024. At least three people were killed, and an undetermined number of worshippers, including the church’s pastor, were kidnapped.
The attack occurred shortly after members arrived for a meeting. Gunshots erupted, causing worshippers to scatter. those unable to escape were held at gunpoint and forced into nearby forest paths.
Church member Joseph Bitrus reported to Reuters that the gunmen rounded up several worshippers, including the pastor, and led them into the bush. the exact number of those abducted remains unconfirmed as families continue their search.
Police responding to the gunfire discovered two fatally shot individuals – one inside the church and another nearby. The attackers fled quickly, utilizing bush routes commonly used by armed groups operating in the region.
Context: Escalating Violence and Kidnappings in Nigeria
This attack follows closely on the heels of another incident where 25 girls were abducted from a boarding school and two staff members were injured in northern Nigeria. this demonstrates a pattern of increasing violence and insecurity across the country.
Kwara state has experienced several attacks recently, but the abduction in Eruku is considered the most significant to date. The attackers’ use of established bush routes suggests a familiarity with the terrain and ongoing operations in the area, linking Eruku with communities bordering Ekiti, Oke-Ero, and Kogi state.
No group has yet claimed obligation for the attack, hindering immediate examination and accountability.
The Wider Crisis: Christians Under Threat in Nigeria
Nigeria consistently ranks as one of the most perilous countries in the world for Christians. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, approximately 69% of the 4,476 Christians killed worldwide for their faith in the recent period occurred in Nigeria – a staggering 3,100 individuals.
This ongoing violence is frequently enough attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including religious extremism, ethnic tensions, and socio-economic disparities.The lack of consistent prosecution of perpetrators further exacerbates the problem.
Data on Christian Persecution in Nigeria (Recent Years):
| Year | Christians Killed (Estimate) | Churches Attacked (Estimate) | people Abducted (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4,682 | 530 | 2,800 |
| 2023 | 5,000+ | 600+ | 3,500+ |
| 2024 (to date) | 3,100+ | 400+ | 2,000+ |
Source: Open Doors World Watch List, International Christian Concern, and local reporting.
Government Response and Next Steps
Kwara State Governor abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has praised President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional