Two individuals have reportedly lost their lives following an attack by suspected bandits in Eruku, a border town within the Ekiti Local Government Area.
The parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku was allegedly targeted by the gunmen.
The incident is said to have taken place on Tuesday evening, when the assailants descended upon the outskirts of the town.
Eyewitnesses in the community informed our correspondent that the attackers arrived “suddenly and heavily armed,” prompting numerous residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
“They came as night fell and began shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” one resident recounted.
Another resident expressed despair, noting that Eruku had been enduring “constant attacks for the last three weeks,” with bandits striking repeatedly despite numerous distress calls.
“We have pleaded with both local and state governments for assistance, but nothing substantial has been forthcoming. We live in fear every day,” he added.
Community members have stated that the police, local vigilantes, and the Eruku Progressive Union have been trying to mount a defence in recent weeks, but the renewed assaults have intensified fears regarding escalating insecurity.
“We need federal assistance. These attacks are becoming too much for us to endure,” a community elder urged.
**‘Police Responded Promptly’**
The police have stated that they responded promptly, forcing the attackers to flee.
“Following a thorough search of the area, one male victim, Mr Aderemi, was found fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun; whilst another victim, Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, who had also suffered fatal gunshot wounds, was discovered in the bush.
“A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately taken to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for medical treatment,” disclosed the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement.
**Kwara**
**Governor AbdulRazaq Condemns Attack**
In response to the incident, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack and called for an urgent bolstering of security in the area.
“The governor has requested the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to support the existing security framework in the region,” stated his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, in a press release.
AbdulRazaq expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Christ Apostolic Church community, pledging ongoing government support for security agencies to protect lives and property.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara State, expressing confidence that these reinforcements would provide further deterrence and enhance overall safety for residents, ensuring lasting peace.
The attack has raised alarms about banditry in Kwara’s border communities, with authorities promising strengthened measures to restore peace and security.
This incident follows closely on the heels of the abduction of 26 schoolgirls by gunmen who attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.
While the state government reported that two of the girls managed to escape, it was confirmed that the Vice Principal of the school, Malam Hassan Makuku, was tragically killed during the attack.