Gunmen
Kwara State was thrown into panic on Tuesday evening after armed bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, injuring worshippers and leaving two people dead.
The attack, which occurred around 6 p.m., has drawn sharp condemnation from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has now ordered urgent and increased security deployment to the area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor described the incident as “an unreasonable attack” and expressed heartfelt sympathy to the church community and families affected.
According to the statement, “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.”
AbdulRazaq assured residents that his administration remains fully committed to backing security agencies with the resources needed to keep communities safe.
“The state government will continue to support the security agencies to tackle these challenges and ensure safety of lives and properties across the state,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara by President Bola Tinubu, praising the move as a timely boost to security operations. “We have indeed seen appreciable calm in many areas previously affected. We sincerely thank the President for this. We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” AbdulRazaq added.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attempted attack and detailed how officers and local vigilantes confronted the criminals.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku led a rapid response team after gunshots were heard on the outskirts of the town, forcing the attackers to retreat into the bush.
A search of the area revealed the grim aftermath. Mr. Aderemi was found fatally shot inside the church, while another victim, Mr. Tunde Ajayi, was discovered dead in the nearby bush. A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment.
Security operatives continue to comb the area as residents call for sustained protection to prevent further attacks.
