Gunmen Attack Kwara Church, Kill Two in Eruku Community

Two people were killed and a vigilante injured in a violent attack by suspected bandits in Eruku, a boundary town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening when gunmen stormed the outskirts of the town, targeting a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun.

Police said they responded promptly, forcing the attackers to flee. One victim, Mr. Aderemi, was found fatally shot inside the church, while Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi was discovered dead in a nearby bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately taken to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment, according to Police Public Relations Officer SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack, expressing deep sympathy to the victims’ families and the church community. He called for the urgent deployment of additional security operatives to strengthen protection in the area. “The governor has requested immediate reinforcement to support the existing security architecture,” said his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

AbdulRazaq also praised President Bola Tinubu for the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara State, noting that the presence of extra forces would improve security and act as a deterrent to bandits.

The attack has raised serious concerns about banditry in Kwara’s border communities. It comes just days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Maga, Kebbi State, an incident that claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku. Authorities have assured residents of stronger security measures to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.