Members of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State demonstrated remarkable courage by attending Sunday service just one week after terrorists attacked their place of worship, killing two people and abducting thirty-eight others.
Defiant Worship Amid Tragedy
The church community gathered for their regular Sunday service despite the traumatic events that had unfolded days earlier. A video circulating on social media platform X showed congregation members sitting peacefully and listening attentively to their pastor's sermon.
The pastor delivered a powerful message against fear, emphasizing that those responsible for the violent attack would face divine judgment. His sermon focused on the Christian concept of eternal life and encouraged members not to fear death when it comes in service of their faith.
Pastor's Message of Courage and Vengeance
During the emotional service, the spiritual leader declared, "I'm going to prepare a place for you and I will come back so that you can join me where I am... He has promised us eternal life, let us not fear death."
The pastor specifically addressed the recent tragedy, stating that those killed had "died at the foot of Jesus" and describing their deaths as that of martyrs. He assured the congregation that "the death of martyrs are avenged" and that "those criminals will receive the judgement of God."
He further explained that God's patience might be delaying the second coming of Jesus, giving people opportunity to repent. The spiritual leader emphasized that as children of God, they should not fear death because Scripture teaches that death leads to eternal life.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The video of the church service sparked diverse reactions across social media platforms. Some Nigerians praised the congregation's bravery, while others expressed concern about safety measures.
One X user, @Euronaire, criticized the decision to hold service so soon after the attack, calling it "reckless, no care for human life" and suggesting the church should have remained closed temporarily out of respect for the deceased and abducted.
Another user, @anasuachara, offered a different perspective, stating "Faith outshines fear, for even after sorrow and loss, people gather courage to stand tall, remain together, and let hope shine ever bright."
The attack has raised concerns about security in Kwara State, with one local man expressing heartbreak after watching footage of the incident. He lamented feeling unsafe in his home state and called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to strengthen security measures to protect lives and property.
The Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku has become a symbol of both the security challenges facing Nigerian communities and the resilience of faith communities in the face of adversity.
