CAC Church Attacked in Kwara State

November 19, 2025 OLAOLUWA AYOMIDE

What We Know So Far About the Suspected Armed Invaders

In a deeply troubling development, a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, came under a brutal attack on the evening of 18 November 2025, leaving at least two dead, several injured, and worshippers abducted, according to official sources, according to a viral video circulating online today, raising renewed concerns about the rising tide of insecurity across Nigeria, as worshippers were seen fleeing and calling for help. While authorities are still verifying the full details, CAC members and leaders have responded with calmness and a strong call for peace.

Understanding What Happened

The affected church belongs to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), a long-standing, peace-driven Christian denomination known for holiness, prayer, and strict adherence to biblical discipline.

CAC has no history of violence and has consistently promoted unity, peaceful coexistence, and community development across Nigeria.

According to eyewitness reports, the attackers stormed the church premises during a prayer session, causing chaos as worshippers fled for safety. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, initial accounts indicate that several members sustained injuries and property within the church was destroyed. According to a statement by the Kwara State Police Command, suspected bandits stormed the CAC church around 18:00 hours, opening fire on congregants. One worshipper, Mr. Aderemi, was shot and killed inside the church, while another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was later found dead in a nearby bush. A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, was also wounded during the attack, according to the police, and has been taken to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment. Eyewitnesses say that the gunmen “came into the church while people were gathered, they started shooting,” and then forced some worshippers, including the pastor, into the bush. The attackers reportedly escaped via bush paths, exploiting rural terrain.

What We Know So Far – Key Details from the Viral Footage

Local authorities have confirmed the attack and promised a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible. Security personnel have since been deployed in the area to restore calm.

The Kwara incident adds to a growing list of attacks on places of worship across different states in Nigeria. Churches, mosques, and religious gatherings have increasingly become targets for violent crimes, banditry, and in some cases, extremist elements seeking to destabilize communities.

These assaults not only threaten lives but also undermine the sense of peace and unity that religious institutions stand for. For many Nigerians, worship centres are sacred spaces, places of hope, refuge, and spiritual renewal. The violation of such spaces shakes the very core of communal existence.

Casualties and Abductions

At least two confirmed dead: one inside the church, another found later in the bush.

Several abducted: The precise number remains unclear, but multiple worshippers, including the pastor, were reportedly taken by the attackers.

Injured: Besides the dead, a vigilante was injured in the attack.

The video shows several armed invaders storming the church premises and causing panic among worshippers. Some key observations include:

Attackers entering aggressively with weapons or threatening objects
Church members running for safety
Leadership urging calm to prevent escalation
No retaliation from CAC members
Community residents rushing to help

The incident appears to have been unprovoked, with no indication that CAC members had any confrontation with the attackers beforehand.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response

Residents of Eruku and neighboring communities are in shock and fear following the attack. Local leaders have expressed alarm at what they describe as a pattern of rising insecurity in the area. One community member lamented that despite frequent pleas to government authorities for increased protection, meaningful security reinforcement has been lacking. The police complement, including the local DPO, rapidly responded to the gunfire along with vigilante groups, which prompted the attackers to flee into the bush. The police also affirmed that they are not relenting in their efforts to “decimate” the hoodlums.

Eyewitnesses describe the event as “disturbing and unexpected.” They noted that:

CAC officials acted swiftly to protect members.
Families were carefully guided out to avoid stampede.
Youths in the area alerted local security.
The church did not fight back or retaliate.
Peaceful resolution was prioritized.

One resident reportedly said, “The church members acted calmly. Their leaders were shouting, ‘Don’t retaliate, don’t fight, just stay safe!’”

This aligns perfectly with CAC’s peace-first doctrine.

Why This Attack Matters — The Bigger Picture

This attack is not without precedent. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, has in the past decried similar incidents. For instance, on 1 January 2018, miscreants attacked CAC Oke-Isegun in Ilorin during a New Year service. CAN said the attackers destroyed church property, belongings of worshippers, and even raped some returning worshippers. Moreover, insecurity in parts of Kwara has been escalating. Banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks are becoming more frequent, especially in rural areas. Reports suggest that some of the gunmen are “terrorists” or “bandits,” although the exact affiliation has not been publicly verified.

Read Also: Nigerian Pastor Gets Death Threats After Exposing Killings

This incident is a reminder that insecurity affects all communities and religious institutions. It is not an attack on CAC doctrine or leadership; it is an attack carried out by external armed individuals.

Key implications:

The need for better security around worship centres
Importance of government intervention
Increased vigilance among communities
Encouraging churches to adopt CCTV and trained security
Ensuring incidents like this do not ignite religious tension
The peaceful conduct of CAC members has been widely praised online.

What We Learn from the community’s Response

The reaction of CAC members and leaders shows maturity, discipline, and spiritual responsibility. In a moment of chaos, they chose peace, restraint, and prayer instead of retaliation.

The church’s response teaches the nation that:

Peace is stronger than violence
Restraint prevents escalation
Unity protects the community

Conclusion — Moving Forward Together

As authorities continue their investigation, PHMedia will provide verified updates only. We commend Christ Apostolic Church for maintaining peace and showing the nation what responsible Christian leadership looks like during crisis.

Follow PHMedia Blog for verified Christian news, security insights, and important updates across Nigeria.

CAC-PROTECTIVE DISCLAIMER

This report acknowledges that the attacked building belongs to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). PHMedia affirms that CAC is a peaceful, law-abiding Christian denomination with no ties to violence or conflict.

The attackers are external armed individuals, not affiliated with CAC or its members.

All information here is based on verifiable reports available at the time of writing. CAC’s reputation, doctrine, and leadership remain respected and protected.

#CACNigeria

#KwaraState

#CACChurchAttack

#BreakingNewsNigeria

#WorshipCenterSafety

#PHMediaUpdates

#NigeriaSecurity

#ChristianNews

#StaySafeNigeria

#CommunityPeace

Content Credit | Olaoluwa Ayomide

Image Credit | google.com