The Kwara State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed that two people were killed and one injured after suspected bandits attacked Eruku, a border community in the Ekiti Local Government Area.
The attack occurred during an evening service at a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, where the gunmen reportedly opened fire on worshippers.
The spokesman for the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement that the incident happened around 6pm on November 18.
According to the 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 explained that a worshipper, Mr Aderemi, was shot dead inside the church. Another victim identified as Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi was later found dead in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, was also shot and taken to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
Community sources said the attackers also raided nearby areas, forcing residents to flee.
An eyewitness, quoted in an earlier account of the incident, 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.”
Another witness who was travelling along the Ilorin–Kabba Road confirmed that the attackers struck the highway during the same period. In an audio recording shared with reporters, he said, “They came around 6:30pm and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken.”
Residents say Eruku has been attacked repeatedly in the last three weeks. A community leader, Benjamin Ayeoribe, expressed frustration over the rising insecurity.
He 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.”
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commended the joint response of local vigilantes and security operatives. He assured that the command would intensify efforts until “these hoodlums are totally decimated.”
