The latest attack on a Christian church in Nigeria highlights the persistent threat of violence against religious communities in the West African nation. According to Reuters, gunmen opened fire on attendees at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, a town in Kwara State, during a service, resulting in at least two deaths and the kidnapping of the pastor and several worshippers. A video from a local news outlet, verified by Reuters, showed armed men entering the church, firing shots, and taking people’s belongings, forcing congregants to seek shelter. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence targeting Christians in Nigeria, where recent attacks have included the kidnapping of 25 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State and the death of at least one staff member during that incident.
The governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for immediate action, urging the deployment of security personnel to restore stability and protect civilians. The attack has also drawn attention from international figures, including U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who described the violence as an instance of ‘genocide wearing the mask of chaos.’ During an event held at the United Nations, Waltz emphasized the disproportionate suffering faced by Christians, highlighting the repeated assassinations of clergy and the destruction of religious sites. His comments were echoed by rapper Nicki Minaj, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s administration in addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Minaj stated that Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and that entire communities live in fear due to their faith.
The escalating violence has not only affected local populations but has also prompted international responses, with the U.S. designating Nigeria as a country of particular concern due to the increasing threat to Christian communities. While the government has taken some steps to address the attacks, the frequency and severity of such incidents suggest a deeper and more systemic issue requiring coordinated efforts at both national and international levels to ensure the safety and security of religious minorities in Nigeria.