Two killed, others abducted as suspected bandits attack Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara

Two people have reportedly been killed by suspected bandits during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, a border town in Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when gunmen stormed the outskirts of the town. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, swift action by security operatives forced the attackers to flee.

“Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim, Mr. Aderemi, was discovered 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,” the police statement said.

Reacting to the attack, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the incident and called for urgent reinforcement of security in the area. His Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the governor had requested the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to support existing operations.

Governor AbdulRazaq expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the Christ Apostolic Church community, while pledging continued government support for security agencies to protect lives and property. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara State, noting that the reinforcements would strengthen overall safety and help maintain lasting peace.

The attack has raised renewed concerns over banditry in border communities across the state.

It comes days after 26 schoolgirls were abducted by gunmen at Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.

Two of the girls have reportedly regained freedom, but the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was killed during the attack.