Deadly bandit attack at Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State sparks mass protest as youths block Ilorin-Kabba highway. Security lapses fuel anger. Click for full details.
View this post on Instagram
Eruku town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State became a scene of chaos on Wednesday as angry youths blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway, protesting the recent deadly bandit attack that left three worshippers dead and at least ten others abducted during an evening service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun.
Eyewitnesses reported that a young girl sustained a gunshot wound and remains in critical condition. Families of the abducted victims expressed outrage over what they describe as grossly inadequate response from security agencies, alleging that the attackers operated with near impunity for nearly an hour.
Long hours of gridlock ensued along the highway, stranding commercial and private vehicles heading toward Kogi State.
Timothy Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were abducted, told our reporters:
“We feel abandoned. The security agents failed to act when we needed them most. Our loved ones’ lives are at risk.”
Youth leader Peter Adesiyan echoed these sentiments, noting that despite community contributions to local policing, security support during the attack was “insufficient and untimely.”
In response to mounting tensions, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, and the State DSS Director visited Eruku to pacify residents. Commissioner Ojo promised reinforced security, including additional personnel and an Armoured Personnel Carrier, to restore order.
Meanwhile, military forces have taken control of the community, following viral footage of armed attackers firing inside the church while worshippers scrambled for safety.
Traditional ruler Oba Busari Arinde Oyediran Olanrewaju called for calm, urging youths to allow security agencies to carry out their investigations effectively. Community spokesman Ayeni Olanipekun confirmed the military deployment and added that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is expected to visit the town.
According to community spokesperson Olasunkanmi Ayeni, the attackers stormed the church around 6:00 p.m. during worship. The deceased have been identified as Tunde Asabe, Segun Alaja (a vigilante), and Aderemi. The number of abducted persons may be higher than initially reported.
Ayeni explained that bandits had attempted multiple infiltrations in previous weeks, repelled by local hunters and volunteers, but security support remains inconsistent.
“Our local police have been supportive in past incidents, but the attackers remain bold, and stronger intervention from higher authorities is urgently needed,” Ayeni said.
The Kwara State Police Command, through spokesperson Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, confirmed the attack, noting that officers responded promptly after gunshots were heard from the outskirts of Eruku, forcing the attackers to flee.
Two victims were fatally shot — one inside the church and another in the bush. A vigilante was injured and hospitalized.
Commissioner Ojo commended the efforts of security operatives and local vigilantes, while assuring that all security agencies remain committed to restoring safety in the area.
The Eruku attack has once again highlighted serious security lapses in vulnerable communities of Kwara State, sparking calls for urgent action and accountability from state and federal authorities.
Listen to top Radio Stations in Abia State CLICK HERE
Support Afnews Independent Journalism
At Afnews, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and timely news coverage. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that you receive trustworthy information, unfiltered and unbiased. To maintain our independence and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the support of our readers.
If you value the work we do, please consider making a contribution. Your support enables us to keep bringing you the stories that matter.
Donate today and help us keep independent journalism alive. Thank you for your support!
