The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun branch in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has reopened for worship following the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives and left dozens abducted.

On November 18, a group of ten armed assailants invaded the church during an evening service, firing at worshippers. The attack led to the death of several members, including the pastor, while 38 congregants were abducted.

A viral video from the church’s first service after the incident—held on Sunday, November 23, 2025—shows the preacher consoling the congregation and declaring that God’s judgment will fall upon the terrorists responsible for the killings.

Preacher Urges Courage, Says Victims Died as ‘Witnesses for Christ’

Addressing the shaken congregation, the preacher encouraged members not to fear death, emphasising the Christian belief in eternal life:

“As a Christian, you must not fear death. Jesus has promised us eternal life. Anywhere death comes to you, make sure you do not curse Jesus.

Our fellow worshippers died at the feet of Jesus—they died a righteous death. Anyone killed for the gospel dies as a witness for Christ.”

He added that Scripture assures divine vengeance for the blood of the faithful:

“Those evil people—watch out. God’s judgment will come upon them. Their blood will cry for justice.”

Heightened Security at Church Premises

Footage from the service also showed a police van and security officers stationed outside the church as authorities work to prevent further attacks.

Broader Debate Over Religious Persecution in Nigeria

The Eruku attack has reignited debates over whether Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria. Advocacy groups and some U.S. politicians argue that persecution is widespread, while Nigerian authorities insist the country’s insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations—a move applauded by some Christian organisations but dismissed by Nigerian officials as misleading.

Human rights groups like Intersociety and Open Doors claim that more than 50,000 Christians have been killed and 18,000 churches destroyed since 2009. U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, have labelled Nigeria “the deadliest country in the world for Christians.”

However, Nigerian officials strongly contest these assertions. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has said the government does not record victims by religion and emphasised that insecurity cuts across all communities. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia similarly argued that violence is driven primarily by land and resource conflicts, rather than a religious genocide.

Security analysts warn that portraying Nigeria’s crisis solely as “Christian genocide” oversimplifies deeply rooted issues—including terrorism, banditry, and governance failures. Groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have targeted both Muslims and Christians indiscriminately.

The CPC designation could allow the U.S. to impose sanctions or limit assistance. Trump has even suggested military intervention, claiming Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria.