Amnesty International has strongly condemned the attack by gunmen on worshippers at the CAC Church, Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Kwara State, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The violent incident resulted in the deaths of three congregants, while several others were abducted, deepening fears among residents about the escalating insecurity across the country.
In a statement, the rights group described the attack as part of a troubling surge in armed assaults, kidnappings for ransom, and targeted killings, particularly in rural communities. Amnesty International stressed that the cumulative effect of these crimes has left citizens living in constant fear, with little faith in the ability of security agencies to prevent such atrocities or bring perpetrators to justice.
“The time to end this impunity is now. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” the organisation said, urging the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive measures to protect citizens and uphold their right to life.
Amnesty International highlighted that in many rural communities across northern Nigeria, residents live on the edge, perpetually bracing for the next attack. The lack of effective protection and accountability for past crimes has eroded public confidence in law enforcement and the judicial system.
The organisation noted that the failure of authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of kidnappings and mass killings not only perpetuates insecurity but also undermines fundamental human rights. “Incessant killings and the stunning failure of the authorities to bring suspected perpetrators to justice have been, and continue to be, a serious threat to the right to life in Nigeria,” the statement said.
Amnesty International called on the federal and state governments to strengthen security measures, particularly in vulnerable rural communities, and to ensure swift investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of those responsible for attacks. The group also urged community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations to collaborate in creating early-warning mechanisms and support systems for affected communities.
The human rights organisation warned that if urgent and coordinated action is not taken, communities across Nigeria will continue to live under the shadow of violence, with devastating social, economic, and psychological consequences. It urged both local and national authorities to act decisively to restore safety, justice, and the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians.
This latest attack adds to a growing pattern of targeted assaults on religious institutions in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.
