Amanze Chinonye
Terror struck the quiet community of Eruku on Tuesday evening when armed bandits invaded a church during a livestreamed service, killing at least three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor.
The attack occurred around 6 p.m. at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, where congregants were holding an evening programme. Gunshots rang out mid-service before more than five armed men stormed the church, sending worshippers scrambling as the livestream captured the chaos.
Witnesses said the attackers shot sporadically before ransacking the church and forcibly marching the pastor and several worshippers into the surrounding bush. The exact number of abducted persons remains unclear, with community sources putting the figure between 10 and 15.
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Three members of the congregation were confirmed killed in the attack. They were identified as Tunde Asaba, Segun Alaja – a local vigilante and a man known simply as Deremi. A young girl who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as an attempted bandit attack. Police spokespersons said operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to flee deeper into the forest.
Bodies of two of the victims were recovered one inside the church and another in the nearby bush. Some injured individuals were taken to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
Residents told journalists the community had previously issued repeated warnings about suspicious movements along surrounding bush paths but received no substantive intervention. “We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day,” said a community leader, Benjamin Ayeoribe.
Security analysts say Eruku’s proximity to forested escape routes has made it increasingly vulnerable to bandit incursions. Local guards have vowed not to relent in their patrols while calling for stronger government backing.
Soldiers have since been deployed to the community, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was reported to be heading to the area as search-and-rescue operations intensify.
Police authorities assured residents that joint security forces are combing the forests to locate the abducted worshippers and bring the attackers to justice.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
