Eruku town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State was thrown into panic on Tuesday evening after armed terrorists launched coordinated attacks on worshippers and travellers, leaving multiple casualties and sparking fear across the border communities.
The assailants first invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch in Eruku, reportedly forcing their way into the premises while a service was underway. Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire instantly, killing worshippers before escaping with an unknown number of abducted congregants into the bush.
Earlier, a video circulating on social media showed a stranded traveller narrating how terrorists attacked two commercial buses transporting passengers from Bida, Niger State, to Ilorin. The man, who appeared breathless while taking cover, said the attackers opened fire near the Eruku–Egbe axis, forcing passengers to flee into surrounding bushes.
“Jesus Christ, this is 18th November, 2025… on my way from Federal Polytechnic Bida approaching Ilorin, we were attacked,” he said in the video. “They are shooting currently and everyone has to vacate the town. Police, Vigilante, we are in trouble, please come to our rescue.”
Residents say the incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks unsettling the Eruku–Egbe border corridor in recent weeks.
Police Confirm Two Dead, One Vigilante Injured
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the attack, stating that two persons were killed while a vigilante sustained gunshot injuries.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the attack occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. She noted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Eruku led a team of operatives, alongside local vigilantes, to the scene immediately after gunshots were heard.
Their rapid response reportedly forced the armed men to flee into the bush.
According to the statement, “Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim, Mr Aderemi, was found fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, while another victim, Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was discovered in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, praised the swift action of security operatives and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down the attackers.
She reiterated the command’s commitment to “ensuring that these hoodlums are totally decimated.”
