Two people have been confirmed dead after suspected bandits attacked Eruku, a border town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, late Tuesday. The assailants reportedly targeted a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, before moving into the surrounding community.
According to the police, operatives responded swiftly to the distress call, forcing the gunmen to flee the area.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement:
“Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim, Mr Aderemi, was discovered fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun; while one Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, another victim of fatal gunshot, was found in the bush.
“A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for medical treatment.”
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack and called for immediate reinforcement of security in the troubled border zone.
“The governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area,” his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement.
AbdulRazaq expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the Christ Apostolic Church, assuring that his administration will continue supporting security agencies to protect lives and property. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to Kwara, noting that the move would “provide further deterrence, overall safety” and help restore lasting peace.
The attack has deepened concerns about increasing banditry in border communities across the state. It comes just days after gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
Although two of the girls have regained freedom, the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was reportedly killed in the incident.
