Gunmen Storm Church, Kill 2, Kidnap Pastor in Nigeria

Armed attackers stormed a church in central Nigeria on Sunday, killing two worshippers and kidnapping several others — including the pastor — in what locals are calling a terrorist attack on Christians.

The shooting happened at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, a small town in Kwara State. Worshippers were in the middle of prayer when gunmen burst in and opened fire.

“They just started shooting. Everyone was running. I saw them drag the pastor outside,” said Joshua Ayodele, a survivor.

Two people were killed on the spot. Several others were taken by force into the bush. The pastor has not been seen since.

The church attack came just days after 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from their dorms in Kebbi State, northern Nigeria. Armed militants broke in around 4 a.m., firing shots and taking the girls.

Nigerian authorities say both attacks appear to be part of a growing wave of violence across the country — especially against Christians and schoolchildren.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu canceled a planned trip to South Africa for the G20 summit after the attacks. His office said he needed to stay in Nigeria for urgent security briefings.

But critics say the Nigerian government is failing.

“This is not random,” said human rights lawyer Emmanuel Okechukwu. “Christians are being hunted. This is religious warfare.”

The Trump administration responded swiftly. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the U.S. is “deeply concerned” and watching closely.

“President Trump stands with persecuted Christians everywhere,” she said. “We will work with our allies to hold the terrorists responsible.”

Back in 2020, Trump placed Nigeria on a watch list for religious freedom violations — a move the Biden administration later reversed. That designation was reinstated earlier this year after a spike in anti-Christian violence.

Nigerian police and soldiers are searching for both the kidnapped churchgoers and the missing schoolgirls. Authorities say the attackers were heavily armed and may be linked to terror groups like Boko Haram or ISWAP.

Police Commissioner Musa Lawal urged citizens to remain calm but alert: “We will find them. But we need the public’s help.”

Military experts warn this growing violence in Nigeria is more than a local issue.

“This is a red flag,” said retired Lt. Col. James Garrison. “Religious violence spreads fast. If we ignore it overseas, it can reach us here.”