Gov Abdulrazaq Reacts As Bandits Attack CAC Church In Eruku

Panic gripped residents of Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening after gunmen launched a fresh attack on a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, killing two people and injuring one vigilante.

Reports had it that the attackers stormed the outskirts of the town “suddenly and heavily armed,” sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes as gunshots rang out.

“They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” a resident said.

Another villager lamented that the community had endured repeated assaults in recent weeks.

“Eruku has been under perpetual attacks for the last three weeks. We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day,” he said.

Residents said bandits had launched multiple raids, despite patrols mounted by vigilante groups, the Eruku Progressive Union, and police operatives. They noted that Tuesday’s attack has deepened fears that insecurity in Kwara’s border communities is worsening.

“We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear,” an elder appealed.

The Kwara State Police Command said officers moved quickly to the area and confronted the attackers, who fled the scene.

Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said officers recovered two bodies during a search.

“One male victim, Mr Aderemi, was discovered fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun; while one Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, another victim of fatal gunshot, was found in the bush,” the statement said.

A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, also sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment.

Governor Condemns Attack, Orders Immediate Reinforcement

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, condemned the attack and directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the community.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor called for urgent reinforcement to support existing security formations in Eruku and surrounding settlements.

“The governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area,” the statement read.

AbdulRazaq sympathised with the families of the victims and the Christ Apostolic Church congregation, and pledged continuous government support to security agencies working to restore peace.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to Kwara State, noting that the reinforcements would boost safety and help stabilise volatile border areas.

“His administration is confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety, and permanent calm,” Ajakaye added.

Fresh Fears After Kebbi School Attack

The Eruku church assault occurred just days after gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. The school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was killed while trying to protect the students.

Although the Kebbi State Government said two girls had regained freedom, concerns remain high over the rising frequency of coordinated attacks in the North and adjoining border communities.

Authorities in Kwara State have promised stronger security measures as residents wait anxiously for relief.