The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed a deadly attack by suspected bandits on a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, where at least three worshippers were killed and about ten others abducted during an evening service.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, located on Okeado Street in the quiet community. Worshippers were reportedly in the middle of their service when gunmen invaded the church, firing sporadically and causing panic among congregants.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, the police described the incident as “an attempted bandit attack,” noting that security operatives and local vigilantes reacted swiftly after gunshots were heard on the outskirts of the community.
“Upon receiving the distress call, our officers, in collaboration with vigilant community members, moved immediately to the scene,” Adeyemi said. “Although the attackers had fled before the operatives arrived, efforts are ongoing to track them and safely rescue the abducted victims.”
According to the spokesperson, the bodies of the three deceased victims have been recovered, while the injured are receiving medical attention.
The police command assured residents of intensified patrols and reinforced security across the area, urging the public to remain calm and support ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, community members have described the attack as shocking and unprecedented, calling on both state and federal authorities to bolster security in border communities vulnerable to criminal incursions.
Search-and-rescue efforts were still underway at the time of filing this report.
