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A survivor of the 18 November 2025 abduction and attack at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun branch in Eruku town, Kwara State, Mr. Abiodun Philips-Dare, has said he continues to face threats to his life following his conversion from Islam to Christianity.
Recounting his experiences before and after the attack, Philips-Dare, formerly Abdulbashir Abiodun, an Islamic educator in Kaduna State, said he was born into a Muslim family of Mallam and Mrs. Abubakar Mukail Dare, adding that he spent over 46 years in Kaduna, where he studied and taught within Islamic institutions and was widely recognized in his community.
Following a personal religious experience, he publicly converted to Christianity on 16 February 2025 and adopted the baptismal name Abiodun Philips-Dare. After his conversion became known, he faced hostility from former colleagues, students, and religious leaders who considered his decision a serious breach of religious norms.
“I was an Islamic educator in Kaduna State, born into a Muslim family of Mallam and Mrs. Abubakar Mukail Dare. I spent over 46 years in Kaduna, and studied and taught Islamic institutions.
“I was very popular in my community.
“On 16 February 2025, I decided to change from being a Muslim to a Christian, and adopted the baptismal name Abiodun Philips-Dare.”
Philips-Dare noted that after his conversion became known, he faced hostility from former colleagues, students, and religious leaders who considered his decision a serious breach of religious norms.
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Between June and August 2025, Mr. Philips-Dare said he survived three violent attacks in Kaduna.
“Fearing for my safety, I relocated to Eruku village in Kwara State.”
On 18 November 2025, armed individuals attacked the church during an evening worship, abducting 38 congregants, including Mr. Philips-Dare. During the abduction, one of the attackers reportedly identified him as a former Muslim who had converted to Christianity and threatened to execute him for apostasy.
The abducted worshippers were released on 23 November 2025 following intervention by local vigilance groups.
Philips-Dare stated that he continued to receive threat messages and calls from the extremist networks through phone communication and that he had to change his phone number.
He appealed to authorities to provide protection, emphasizing the ongoing risks he faces as a survivor of the attack and as a person practicing his Christian faith, which he described as a fundamental right.
