Abbas, Kalu condemn Kwara Church attack, demand urgent action

The leadership of the House of Representatives has condemned the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where gunmen killed three worshippers and abducted several others during a live-streamed service.

In separate statements on Wednesday, Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu described the incident as unacceptable and urged security agencies to take urgent action.

Speaker Abbas, in a statement issued by his media aide, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, expressed concern over the rising attacks on worship centres and other vulnerable locations.

“This attack is not only daring but unfortunate,” he said. “Criminal activity has no place in our country. Our security forces must step up their efforts, especially with the increasing attacks on soft targets.”

He affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to prioritising citizens’ safety, stressing that security and welfare remain key responsibilities of government. Abbas also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for suspending his planned foreign trip in response to the security situation and prayed for the safe return of the abducted worshippers and schoolgirls kidnapped in Kebbi State.

Deputy Speaker Kalu, in his reaction, described the Kwara incident as “painful and unacceptable,” urging security agencies to move swiftly to apprehend the attackers and rescue the victims.

He said, “I strongly condemn the disturbing attack on a church in Kwara State. My heart goes out to the victims, the survivors, and the families affected. May they find comfort and healing.”

Kalu called for a thorough investigation and the prompt arrest of those responsible. He also commended President Tinubu for suspending his planned engagements abroad in view of the prevailing security concerns.

The attack on the Eruku church has drawn renewed attention to the country’s persistent security challenges, with communities across several states continuing to experience incidents of violence and abductions.