The Kwara State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday that suspected bandits killed at least two people and injured another during coordinated attacks in Eruku, a border town in Ekiti Local Government Area.
One of the assaults targeted a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church. The police reported that a worshipper was shot dead inside the church, while another victim’s body was later discovered in the bush.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident in a statement, “The Kwara State Police Command confirms an attempted bandit attack in Eruku, which occurred at about 18:00 hours of today, 18th November, 2025.
“The DPO Eruku and his team of police operatives, in collaboration with vigilantes, swiftly responded to the sound of gunshots emanating from the outskirts of the town, prompting the hoodlums to flee into the bush.”
The police further stated, “Police confirmed that a male victim, Mr. Aderemi, was fatally shot inside the church, while another, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was found dead in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment.
“CP Adekimi Ojo commended the swift response of the police and vigilantes. He also assures the public that security agencies will not relent until these hoodlums are totally decimated.”*
Earlier, The PUNCH reported that the first attack occurred during a special service at the church, with gunmen opening fire on worshippers before abducting the pastor and an unspecified number of congregants. An eyewitness described the horrifying scene:
“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.”
The attackers later struck along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing travellers to abandon their vehicles and take cover in nearby bushes. One traveller returning from Niger State recounted:
“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.”
Community leaders expressed growing frustration over the recurring violence. Mr. Benjamin Ayeoribe said, “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 the combined efforts of vigilantes, local hunters, and the police, the attackers continue to exploit the border area.
The state of Kwara has seen a troubling rise in banditry, killings, and kidnappings for ransom, with communities along border towns bearing the brunt of the violence in recent months.
