Kwara APC elders decry attacks, demand urgent action against banditry

The Kwara South APC Elders Forum has condemned the bandit attach on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church Eruku Ekiti Local Government Area, describing the incident as “barbaric, unconscionable and one killing too many.”

In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Saturday, the chairman of the forum, James Ayeni, expressed alarm over what he called an escalating cycle of violence in Kwara South in recent years.

The report that bandits invaded the church during a service earlier in the week, killing at least three people and abducting several others, a development that has intensified calls for stronger security measures in border communities.

Ayeni said the attack adds to a “catalogue of vicious attacks” that have plagued the district, leaving multiple casualties, displacements and destruction in their wake.

“It is disheartening that our people continue to suffer repeated attacks.

“From Oke-Ode to Babanla and Oreke in Ifelodun LGA where about 15 vigilantes, 12 forest guards and even a traditional ruler were massacred the story has been one of bloodshed and sorrow,” he added, recalling the abduction and killing of an APC women leader in Koro community two years ago, as well as the murder of the Oloro of Koro, Oba General Olusegun Aremu (retd.), whose wife was kidnapped during the same attack.

“Not less than 50 people have been attacked along the Osi/Obbo-Ayegunle road in the last two years, Isin and Irepodun local government areas have also suffered multiple raids by armed men. Enough should be enough,” he declared.

Ayeni commiserated with the Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, the bereaved families and members of the CAC congregation affected by the latest attack.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as their prompt response, including the deployment of additional security personnel to the troubled axis.

“We must commend President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for rising to the occasion. The prompt deployment of heavy security personnel is a step in the right direction,” he said.

He further welcomed the governor’s personal visit to Eruku and acknowledged the President’s approval of the construction of the Ilorin–Kabba expressway, which he said would bolster security and hinder the movement of criminal elements.

Ayeni also praised the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, vigilante groups and youth volunteers in Eruku for their “gallantry and unwavering bravery” in defending the community, noting that “Our heartfelt condolences go to all the traditional rulers and the entire people of Kwara South.”

Kwara South—particularly the border communities of Ekiti, Ifelodun and Isin LGAs—has witnessed a rise in violent attacks linked to bandit groups operating around the Kogi and Niger State corridors.

The Kwara State Government on Friday convened security counsel meeting , while the police and DSS say several suspects, including alleged suppliers of food, fuel and weapons to kidnappers, have been arrested.