The town of Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State has been thrown into deep distress after suspected bandits launched another deadly attack on Tuesday evening, killing two people and injuring one.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as an attempted bandit attack that struck both a church and the Ilorin–Kabba Road corridor — two areas that have experienced repeated violence in recent weeks.
According to the police, one of the victims, identified as Mr. Aderemi, was shot dead inside a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church during a worship service, while the body of a second victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was later found in the bush. A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment at ECWA Hospital, Eruku.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku, alongside vigilantes, responded immediately after gunshots were heard on the outskirts of the community.
Their quick action forced the attackers to flee into the bush.
Kwara Police Commissioner, Adekimi Ojo, commended the swift response of security teams and assured residents that the fight against banditry will continue “until these hoodlums are totally decimated.”
Worshippers Ambushed During Service
Earlier reports from residents indicated that the attackers stormed the church during a special service, opening fire on worshippers. Eyewitnesses said three people were initially killed inside the church, and several others — including the pastor — were abducted and marched into the bush.
One eyewitness recounted:
“They came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting and people ran in different directions. Three people died instantly and they took the pastor and others away.”
The attackers later moved to the Ilorin–Kabba Road, shooting at travellers and forcing many to abandon their vehicles.
A traveller, returning from Niger State, said in a voice note:
“They came around 6:30pm and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly. People ran into the bush. They are still shooting — you can hear it.”
Community Pleads for Federal Intervention
Residents say Eruku has come under persistent attacks over the past three weeks, leaving the border town in fear and exhaustion.
Community leader Benjamin Ayeoribe described the situation as unbearable.
“We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day. We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear. We are pleading with the President to intervene urgently.”
Kwara State has recorded a surge in banditry, kidnappings and deadly attacks in recent months, with border communities facing the heaviest toll despite the efforts of vigilantes, local hunters and security operatives.
