Two people have been confirmed killed after suspected bandits launched a fresh attack on Eruku, a border town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The assault, which targeted the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, occurred on Tuesday evening, triggering panic and sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen struck without warning, arriving heavily armed and opening fire indiscriminately.
“They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” a resident recounted.
Locals say Eruku has endured relentless attacks over the past three weeks, despite repeated distress calls to authorities. Many fear the situation is spiralling out of control.
“We have begged government officials for help, but nothing concrete has been done. We live in fear every single day,” another resident lamented.
Community groups—including vigilantes, the police, and the Eruku Progressive Union—have mounted resistance, but renewed attacks have only deepened concerns that the town is being overwhelmed.
“We need federal intervention. These attacks are now too much for us to bear,” a community elder pleaded.
Police: Attackers Repelled After Swift Response
The Kwara State Police Command said officers responded promptly, forcing the gunmen to retreat.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi reported: Mr. Aderemi, a church member, was found fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church. Another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was discovered dead in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku.
Governor AbdulRazaq Condemns Attack, Orders Reinforcement
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, strongly condemned the attack and called for urgent reinforcement to secure the area.
“The governor has requested immediate deployment of additional security operatives to strengthen the existing structure,” his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said.
AbdulRazaq expressed condolences to the families of the victims and members of the Christ Apostolic Church, pledging sustained government support for security agencies to protect lives and property.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for recently deploying 900 additional troops to Kwara State, saying the step would enhance deterrence and help restore lasting calm in the state’s vulnerable border communities.
Growing Fears as Banditry Spreads
The incident has further heightened concerns about escalating banditry across Kwara’s border areas. Authorities have vowed stronger measures to restore peace.
The attack comes days after gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. While officials say two girls have regained freedom, the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed while attempting to protect the students.
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