By Wellington Jopelo
Not fewer than two people have been killed and one injured by suspected bandits that attacked the town of Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday.
The assault happened around 6 p.m. on November 18, 2025, and one of the main places targeted was a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, where worshippers were gathered for a service.
Police said the attackers fired several shots, forcing people to run, and then escaped into the surrounding bushes when security operatives and local vigilantes rushed toward the sound of gunfire. The police confirmed that one worshipper was shot inside the church, while another victim was later found dead in the bush near the community.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, officers responded immediately after gunshots were heard. The statement explained that a man identified as Mr. Aderemi was killed in the church, and another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was discovered in the bush. A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, was also hit by a bullet and was taken to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, praised the quick reaction of both the police and the vigilante team. He assured residents that security forces would continue pursuing those behind the attacks. He urged the public to remain calm while operations continue in the border communities.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic when the armed men stormed the church. One eyewitness said, “The gunmen came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush.”
After the church attack, the bandits reportedly struck again near the Ilorin–Kabba Road. Travelers were forced to abandon their cars and run into the bushes to avoid being shot or captured. One traveler shared in a voice message, “They came around 6:30pm and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken; they are still shooting—you can hear it.”
Residents say the community has experienced repeated violence in recent weeks. A local leader, Mr. Benjamin Ayeoribe, expressed deep frustration, saying, “We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day…We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear. We are pleading with the President to intervene urgently.”
Despite regular patrols and efforts from hunters, vigilantes, and police officers, bandits continue to use the border area to their advantage, slipping in and out after attacks. Many border villages in Kwara State have been struggling with increasing cases of kidnappings, killings, and armed raids in recent months.