The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed a deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke Isegun, Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, leaving two people dead and several worshippers abducted on Tuesday evening.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the attack occurred around 6 p.m., and officers responded immediately after reports of gunshots from the outskirts of the community.
“The DPO Eruku and his team of police operatives, in collaboration with vigilantes, swiftly responded to the sound of gunshots, prompting the hoodlums to flee into the bush,” the statement read.
The command confirmed that one worshipper, Mr. Aderemi, was shot dead inside the church, while another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was later found dead in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at ECWA Hospital, Eruku.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire from outside the church before forcing their way in during an ongoing programme ahead of a night vigil, causing worshippers to scatter. Some of the assailants were masked.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the prompt response of officers and local vigilantes and assured residents that operations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators. He vowed that security agencies “will not relent until these hoodlums are totally decimated.”
Community leaders noted that Eruku has suffered multiple attacks over the past three weeks, highlighting a surge in banditry and kidnappings along Kwara State’s border communities.
