Two people were reportedly killed on Tuesday evening when suspected bandits launched another assault on Eruku, a border town in the Ekiti Local Government Area, deepening fears in a community that says it has endured repeated attacks in recent weeks.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the outskirts of the town near a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, forcing residents to run for safety.
Eyewitnesses described the attackers as arriving “suddenly and heavily armed,” with many locals fleeing into surrounding bushes in panic. One resident recounted how the gunmen opened fire immediately, leaving two victims dead on the spot, though the number of abducted persons remains unclear. Another resident expressed frustration, noting that Eruku had been under “perpetual attacks for the last three weeks,” despite constant appeals for intervention. He lamented that residents continued to “live in fear every day,” as the violence persisted.
Members of the community said that the combined efforts of police officers, local vigilantes, and the Eruku Progressive Union had offered some resistance in recent weeks. However, the renewed assault intensified concerns that the security situation was steadily deteriorating. An elder in the community appealed for help from higher authorities, stressing that the attacks had become overwhelming. “We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear,” he pleaded.
The police, in their response, said officers had reacted promptly, forcing the gunmen to retreat. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, a thorough search later revealed the grim outcome. One male victim, Mr. Aderemi, was found dead inside the church building, while another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was discovered in the surrounding bush, both killed by gunshots. A local vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, condemned the attack and called for immediate reinforcement in the area. His Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the governor had sought the deployment of additional security personnel to support current efforts to stabilize the community.
AbdulRazaq expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and the Christ Apostolic Church congregation, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to bolstering security agencies to safeguard lives and property. He also praised President Bola Tinubu for sending 900 additional troops to the state, saying their presence would enhance security and help restore calm.
The incident adds to rising fears of worsening insecurity in Kwara’s border communities, coming just days after gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Although two of the girls reportedly regained freedom, the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was killed during the raid.
What you should know
Eruku’s repeated exposure to violent attacks has placed the community under significant strain, with residents fearing for their safety amid ongoing bandit activities.
The latest assault, which left two people dead and others injured, underscores the urgent need for stronger security interventions.
As authorities deploy additional personnel and pledge renewed efforts, the community remains anxious, especially following similar high-profile attacks in neighboring regions.
