Angry Kwara youths block Ilorin–Kabba Road after deadly bandit attack

Tension escalated in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday as angry youths blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway to protest a deadly bandit attack on their community.

Armed attackers had stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, during an evening service on Tuesday, killing three persons and abducting at least ten worshippers. A young girl who sustained a gunshot injury was reported to be in critical condition.

As of press time, none of the abducted victims had been rescued, though local hunters continued combing the surrounding forests.

When visited the area around 3:00 p.m., the protest had already caused long hours of gridlock, leaving several articulated vehicles heading toward Kogi State stranded.

Residents alleged that the attack, which lasted nearly an hour, unfolded without a timely intervention from security operatives. One of the protesters, Timothy Joshua—whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted—expressed deep frustration over what he described as inadequate response from security agents.

A youth leader, Peter Adesiyan, also voiced concern, noting that despite community contributions to support local policing, the response on the night of the attack fell short of residents’ expectations.

Police, DSS, and Military Step In

In response to mounting anger, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, visited Eruku on Wednesday in company with the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ojo assured residents that additional personnel and an Armoured Personnel Carrier would be deployed to strengthen security in the area.

The traditional ruler, Oba Busari Arinde Oyediran Olanrewaju, appealed to youths to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct their investigations.

Meanwhile, military personnel have now taken control of the community following viral video footage showing the attackers firing inside the church as worshippers scrambled for safety.

Community spokesman, Ayeni Olanipekun, confirmed the military deployment and added that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was expected to visit the town.

How the Attack Unfolded

Community spokesperson Olasunkanmi Ayeni said that the attackers stormed the church located on Okeado Street around 6 p.m. during worship.

Ayeni identified the deceased as Tunde Asabe, Segun Alaja (a vigilante), and one Aderemi. He added that the number of abducted persons might be higher than initially estimated.

He further disclosed that bandits had attempted for weeks to gain access to the community through various routes but were repelled by local hunters and security volunteers.

Ayeni commended the efforts of the local police division, noting that officers often accompanied hunters into the forests during previous incidents. He however appealed for stronger support from higher authorities to prevent further attacks.

He said the community had made several distress calls to relevant authorities during earlier attempts by the attackers to infiltrate the area.

Police Confirm Incident

The Kwara State Police Command, in a statement by spokesperson Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, confirmed the attack, noting that the DPO and his team responded promptly after hearing gunshots from the outskirts of the town, causing the attackers to flee.

The statement said officers later discovered two victims fatally shot—one inside the church and another in the bush—while a vigilante who sustained injuries was taken to hospital for treatment.

Commissioner Ojo commended the efforts of security operatives and vigilantes and assured the public that security agencies remain committed to restoring safety in the area.