Kwara gov seeks security reinforcement after attack

The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for urgent reinforcement of security in the Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly the Eruku axis, following a new wave of attacks in the community on Tuesday.

In a statement signed and released on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, AbdulRazaq urged the deployment of additional security operatives to support existing personnel in the area.

“The Governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area.

“He requested that this new measure be activated immediately,” the statement read

Condemning the “unconscionable attack,” the governor expressed sympathy for the people of Eruku and its environs, particularly families and members of the Christ Apostolic Church who were directly affected by the assault.

He reassured residents that the state government would continue to back security agencies in efforts to safeguard lives and property across Kwara State.

AbdulRazaq also commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara, noting that the move is expected to strengthen security in the state.

Report that suspected bandits on Tuesday launched two separate evening assaults in the boundary town.

In the first incident, gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku branch, during a special service, shooting sporadically and targeting worshippers.

It was gathered that three worshippers were killed on the spot, while the pastor and an unspecified number of congregants were abducted into the bush.

The exact number of abducted victims remains unclear, but residents said the gunmen escaped through bush paths leading to neighbouring communities in Kogi State.

Earlier the same evening, another group of attackers reportedly ambushed travellers and residents along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes.

The Kwara State Police confirmed the attack.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer Adetohun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police said an “attempted bandit attack” occurred in Eruku around 6 p.m. on Tuesday

The PPRO said the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku, along with his team and local vigilantes, responded swiftly to the gunfire on the outskirts of the town, forcing the attackers to flee into the bush.

The police confirmed that two people were fatally wounded during the assault.

“A male victim, Mr Aderemi, was fatally shot inside the church, while another victim, Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was found dead in the bush.

“A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness, who pleaded not to be named, told our correspondent, “The gunmen came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting, and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush.”

A traveller returning from Niger State, who recorded a distress voice note obtained by The PUNCH, said, “We suddenly ran into them. Everybody abandoned their cars and scattered into the bush.

“They came around 6:30 p.m. and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken. They are still shooting—you can hear it.”

A community leader, Mr Benjamin Ayeoribe, said that Eruku has been under “perpetual attacks for the last three weeks,” lamenting that repeated distress calls to authorities have yielded no tangible response.

“We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day,” he said.