Gunmen attacked a church in Nigeria, killing at least two people and kidnapping the pastor and some worshippers, according to Reuters. The attack occurred in Eruku, central Nigeria’s Kw, with video footage showing armed men entering the church during a service and taking congregants’ belongings as gunshots rang out.
The violence has escalated in the region, with similar incidents occurring recently, including the abduction of 25 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State, where gunfire was exchanged with guards. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has urged for immediate security measures, highlighting the growing threat to the region’s stability.
Global attention has also been drawn, with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz addressing the violence, calling the targeting of Christians in Nigeria ‘genocide wearing the mask of chaos.’ Rap superstar Nicki Minaj, an advocate for the administration’s stance, emphasized the need for urgent international action to protect vulnerable communities.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence against Christians in Nigeria, a phenomenon critics have attributed to extremist groups. The situation has prompted international responses, including designations of Nigeria as a country of particular concern by the Trump administration, reflecting the scale and severity of the crisis.
Religious leaders and human rights organizations have called for increased international pressure and support for local security forces to combat the violence. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government faces the challenge of addressing these attacks while maintaining stability and protecting its citizens from further harm.
The attacks have also drawn attention from the global media and public figures, raising questions about the role of international actors in addressing humanitarian and religious persecution issues. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of such extremism and to protect the safety of all communities in the region.