The Regional Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Babajide Region (Kwara and Kogi states), Pastor Samuel Owolabi, has confirmed that the deadly attack on CAC Oke-Isegun, Eruku headquarters in Eruku, Kwara State, was a deliberate and targeted assault on the church during a revival service.

In an exclusive telephone interview, Pastor Owolabi described the incident as “a painful and shocking tragedy,” recounting how heavily armed men emerged from the surrounding bush, stormed the church premises and opened fire on worshippers gathered for a programme being streamed online.

He said the assailants killed several members though the exact number was still being verified and abducted 35 congregants, including men, women and children.

An elderly woman was also seen on the livestream moments before the chaos erupted, but Pastor Owolabi said her condition had not yet been ascertained.

The Regional Superintendent, who visited the scene on Wednesday alongside the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, said the church building was riddled with bullet holes, and several personal items were left behind by the fleeing attackers.

When asked whether the incident reflects a rise in targeted violence against Christian communities nationwide, Owolabi said there was “no doubt” that such attacks were becoming more frequent and coordinated.

He added that the church leadership had begun responding to the crisis but declined to disclose details of internal security measures.

Expressing deep grief over the attack, Pastor Owolabi called for urgent and heightened security intervention, stressing that rural churches remain dangerously exposed to violent incursions. (Nigerian Tribune)