Kwara Church Assault: Abbas Tajudeen and Benjamin Kalu Condemn Attack, Urge Immediate Security Action

Introduction

In a shocking incident that underscores Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and kidnapping several others during a live-streamed service. House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu swiftly condemned the Kwara Church assault, demanding pressing action from security agencies. This response highlights the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing insecurity targeting places of worship, soft targets increasingly vulnerable to banditry and terrorism.

The event, reported on November 20, 2025, by Vanguard News, has reignited national debates on protecting religious sites and communities. Leaders like Abbas and Kalu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for postponing his foreign trip amid escalating threats, including abductions in Kebbi State. This article explores the Abbas Tajudeen condemnation and Benjamin Kalu statement in detail, providing context on Nigeria’s security landscape.

Analysis

The Kwara Church assault exemplifies a pattern of violence against worship centers, where attackers exploit gatherings for maximum impact. Both legislative leaders issued separate statements on Wednesday, emphasizing the unacceptability of such acts and the need for heightened vigilance.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen’s Statement

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, through his media aide Musa Abdullahi Krishi, labeled the attack as “daring but unfortunate.” He stressed that criminality has no place in Nigeria and urged security forces to intensify efforts against assaults on soft targets like churches. Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s priority on citizen security, aligning with constitutional mandates under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which prioritizes security and welfare. He commended President Tinubu’s decision to delay international engagements and prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped worshippers and Kebbi schoolgirls.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu’s Response

Deputy Speaker Kalu described the incident as “painful and unacceptable,” extending condolences to victims, survivors, and families. He called for swift arrests, thorough investigations, and rescues, echoing broader calls for accountability. Kalu also applauded President Tinubu’s prioritization of domestic security over foreign trips, reinforcing legislative-executive collaboration on national safety.

Summary

The Christ Apostolic Church attack in Eruku, Kwara State, resulted in three deaths and multiple kidnappings during a live service. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu condemned the Kwara Church assault, instructing security agencies to act decisively. Their statements underscore Nigeria’s persistent issues with banditry, abductions, and attacks on religious sites, while praising presidential responsiveness.

Key Points

Practical Advice

While awaiting official responses, communities and individuals can adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks from incidents like the Kwara Church assault. Here’s pedagogical guidance based on established security protocols from Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and police guidelines.

Enhancing Church and Community Security

Install CCTV cameras and perimeter fencing around worship centers. Train volunteer security teams in basic vigilance, such as monitoring entrances during services. Coordinate with local police for patrols, especially during live-streamed events that may attract attention.

Personal Safety During Threats

If an attack occurs, follow the “run, hide, fight” protocol: evacuate if possible, barricade doors if trapped, and resist as a last resort. Report suspicious activities via Nigeria Police hotlines (e.g., 112) or community alert systems immediately.

Community Reporting and Preparedness

Establish neighborhood watch groups linked to state emergency management agencies. Educate members on recognizing early warning signs of banditry, such as reconnaissance by strangers. Stock emergency kits with first aid, communication devices, and evacuation plans.

Points of Caution

The Nigeria security challenges revealed by the Kwara incident warrant caution. Worship centers remain soft targets due to large crowds and limited defenses. Rising abductions, as seen in Kebbi, indicate coordinated threats possibly linked to bandit groups operating across state lines.

Avoid complacency: live-streaming services, while beneficial, can inadvertently signal vulnerability to attackers monitoring social media. Delayed security responses in rural areas like Ekiti LGA exacerbate risks. Citizens should verify information from official sources to counter misinformation that heightens panic.

Comparison

The Kwara Church assault mirrors prior attacks on religious sites in Nigeria, providing context for its gravity.

Similar Church Attacks

In 2023, gunmen attacked churches in Plateau State, killing dozens during Christmas services—verifiable via reports from Amnesty International and local media. Unlike those, the Kwara incident involved live-streaming, potentially aiding real-time tracking by responders but also exposing locations.

Abduction Patterns

Kebbi schoolgirls’ kidnapping parallels the Chibok (2014) and Dapchi (2018) cases, where over 200 and 100 girls were taken, respectively. The Eruku event combines homicide with abduction, differing from pure kidnappings but sharing rural vulnerability.

Legislative Responses

Abbas and Kalu’s calls align with past National Assembly motions, such as the 2022 resolution on banditry, but emphasize urgency post-Tinubu’s inauguration, marking a consistent bipartisan stance.

Legal Implications

Under Nigerian law, the Kwara Church assault constitutes terrorism per the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), with penalties up to life imprisonment or death for killings and abductions. Section 1 prohibits acts causing death or endangering lives for political/religious aims. Kidnapping falls under the Kidnapping and Abduction Act, punishable by 10 years minimum.

Security agencies must investigate under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, ensuring swift prosecutions. The National Assembly’s involvement signals potential oversight, including budget allocations for intelligence via the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Conclusion

The condemnation by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu of the Christ Apostolic Church attack in Kwara State represents a unified front against Nigeria’s deepening insecurity. Their demand for pressing action from security forces, coupled with praise for President Tinubu’s vigilance, fosters hope for coordinated governance. Protecting soft targets like churches requires sustained legislative push, community resilience, and enhanced intelligence. As Nigeria navigates these challenges, prioritizing citizen safety remains paramount to national stability.

This incident serves as a clarion call: vigilance today prevents tragedy tomorrow. Stakeholders must translate words into fortified defenses for a safer federation.

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