Kwara: Bandits kill three, abduct several in fresh attack on Eruku community

From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin 

Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Tuesday night, was in chaos as armed bandits stormed a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch, leaving three dead and abducted unspecified worshippers, including the Pastor.

According to a local source who witnessed the aftermath, the attackers invaded the church during a gathering and opened fire, killing three members on the spot. 

The gunmen then rounded up an unknown number of worshippers and escaped with them into nearby bush paths.

Eyewitnesses in the community told our correspondent that the attackers stormed the area “suddenly and heavily armed,” forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

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

Another resident lamented that Eruku has been under “perpetual attacks for the last three weeks,” with bandits striking repeatedly despite several distress calls.

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

Community members say the police, vigilantes, and the Eruku Progressive Union have mounted resistance in recent weeks, but the renewed assault has worsened fears of further insecurity.

Eruku residents are now calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to intervene urgently.

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

As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command has yet to comment on the incident.