Following a new wave of attacks in the Eruku community on Tuesday, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for the urgent reinforcement of security in the Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly the Eruku axis. In a statement released Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor requested the immediate deployment of additional security operatives to bolster the existing personnel in the area, urging that this measure be activated without delay.
Condemning the “unconscionable attack,” Governor AbdulRazaq extended his sympathy to the residents of Eruku and its environs, specifically mentioning the families and members of the Christ Apostolic Church who were directly impacted by the assault. He reassured residents of the state government’s continued support for security agencies in their mission to safeguard lives and property across Kwara State. AbdulRazaq also specially commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara, noting that this action is expected to significantly strengthen the state’s security.
Suspected bandits reportedly launched two separate evening assaults on the boundary town on Tuesday. In the first and more severe incident, gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku branch, during a special service, shooting sporadically at worshippers. Reports indicate that three worshippers were killed instantly, while the pastor and an unspecified number of congregants were abducted and taken into the bush. Though the precise number of victims remains unclear, residents confirmed the gunmen escaped via bush paths leading toward neighboring communities in Kogi State. Earlier that same evening, a separate group of attackers reportedly ambushed travellers and residents along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident. In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer Adetohun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police acknowledged an “attempted bandit attack” that took place in Eruku at approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated that the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku, supported by his team and local vigilantes, responded swiftly to the gunfire on the town’s outskirts, compelling the attackers to retreat into the bush. The police confirmed that two people were fatally wounded during the assault: “A male victim, Mr Aderemi, was fatally shot inside the church, while another victim, Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was found dead in the bush.” Additionally, a vigilante named Segun Alaja sustained gunshot injuries and was hospitalized for treatment.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, offered a chilling account: “The gunmen came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting, and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush.” A traveler returning from Niger State, whose voice note was obtained by a correspondent, described the ambush: “We suddenly ran into them. Everybody abandoned their cars and scattered into the bush. They came around 6:30 p.m. and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken. They are still shooting—you can hear it.”
A community leader, Mr. Benjamin Ayeoribe, revealed that Eruku has been subjected to “perpetual attacks for the last three weeks,” lamenting that continuous distress calls made to authorities have yielded no tangible response. Ayeoribe stated, “We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day.”
