Worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church Oke Isegun, Eruku, in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara resumed worship on Sunday, days after armed bandits stormed the church, killing two while abducting several others.
In a video seen by Peoples Gazette on Sunday, a pastor was seen leading the service while sermonising to worshippers on the importance of having faith in God despite challenges.
“As a Christian, you must not fear them (terrorists),” the pastor said. “Jesus has promised you eternal life. So don’t let us be afraid. Wherever death comes, just don’t sin against Jesus. As long as you don’t sin against Jesus, you are assured of a great space in heaven.”
Armed bandits stormed the church in the middle of service last week, killing two people while abducting no fewer than 38 worshippers.
The attack, which drew widespread criticism from Nigerians, came amid escalating bandits’ attacks in different parts of the country, especially in Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States.
Speaking on the attack, the pastor said those killed by the marauding terrorists died as true believers, urging worshippers not to waver in their strong faith in Jesus.
“Those killed (in the attack), I want you to rejoice that they died following the path of Jesus. They died as true believers. Anyone killed in that manner died well, and God will take revenge on the perpetrators someday. All the evil doors will soon meet their Waterloo. It is a matter of time,” he explained.
When contacted for comments, police spokesperson in Kwara, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the church was not under lockdown, adding the security operatives were in the area to provide maximum security for worshippers and residents.
“The place was not closed in the first place,” Ms Ejire-Adeyemi told The Gazette on Sunday. “Security operatives are already stationed in the area to ensure the protection of lives and property.”
Meanwhile, several Nigerians on X faulted the resumption of service while scores of worshippers were still in captivity.
“Should we say they have faith or they are testing their faith? E get why Jesus no jump when the devil asked him to from the cliff of the mountain, even though the angels can catch him mid-air and not let him fall. May God keep securing our path, Amin,” said an X user, @younglord.
Another user, @dipthinkerz, wrote, “Nigerians are funny people. Thirty-eight people kidnapped, one killed, some injured. None of the kidnapped persons is yet to return. The kidnappers and terrorists have not been caught, prosecuted or killed, yet you resume service in that same church, and people attended.”
“But in any properly functioning state, this site should be secured and inaccessible to the public until a full investigation is completed. Right? I know Forensic experts understand the necessity of that. Isn’t it premature to reopen it already?,” said @bbkdolly.
Also, @Euronaire condemned the resumption of service at the church, describing it as “reckless” and a lack of care for human life. He opined that the church should be shut down until further notice.
“This is just recklessness. Very funny and heartless people. Just less than a week ago, people were killed in your church, and no atom of respect for humanity. You begin service to remind them not to fear death,” said @Drealmagnus.
However, others described the resumption of service as a show of courage, adding that it showed that the worshippers truly believe in Jesus.
“It’s difficult to witness a community return to worship in the very place where trauma was carved into their memory. Yet their presence in that church today says something profound: violence can wound a people, but it cannot extinguish their spirit.
“When 38 worshippers are taken and others lose their lives, the easy reaction is fear, withdrawal, silence. But showing up after such horror is an act of defiance, an insistence that faith is stronger than the terror meant to break it,” @judecstephen said.
Another user, @realfemiayodele, wrote, “Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, ‘I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’”
Stating that worshippers’ presence for service was inspiring, @OluOlabode, however, said, “People returning to church after such a tragedy shows courage, but it also exposes how little the authorities have done to protect innocent Nigerians. This cycle of attack, silence, and ‘we condemn this’ needs to end.”
@Ezendieze stated, “The church is marching on and the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church of God.”
“Faith outshines fear, for even after sorrow and loss, people gather courage to stand tall, remain together, and let hope shine ever bright,” @anasuachara stated.