By Ireti Asemota.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday demanded immediate reinforcements for the Ekiti LGA’s Eruku axis, a volatile border spot with Kogi, after bandits unleashed twin evening assaults on November 18 that left at least three dead, a pastor and worshippers abducted, and the community in lockdown. “Unconscionable,” he called it, urging swift deployment of extra operatives to bolster local forces and vowing full state backing for rescues and safety.
The Attacks: Church Stormed, Roads Turned Traps
- Christ Apostolic Church Raid: Around 6 p.m., gunmen burst into the Eruku branch during a special service, firing wildly and killing three worshippers on-site (including Mr. Aderemi inside the church and Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi in nearby bush). The pastor and an unknown number of congregants were herded into the forest toward Kogi—eyewitnesses counted “three immediate deaths” amid chaos, with a livestream capturing screams and shots. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, took gunshot wounds and was rushed to ECWA Hospital.
- Ilorin-Kabba Road Ambush: Shortly after, another crew hit travelers, sparking panic—cars abandoned, folks fleeing into bushes as bullets flew. A Niger State returnee’s voice note captured the terror: “We ran into them at 6:30 p.m…. two killed instantly, don’t know how many taken. They’re still shooting.”
Kwara Police confirmed an “attempted bandit attack,” crediting the Eruku DPO, team, and vigilantes for repelling the gunmen into hiding—though abductions persist. Community leader Benjamin Ayeoribe decried “perpetual attacks for three weeks,” slamming ignored distress calls: “We’re begging for help, but nothing concrete. Living in fear every day.”
Governor’s Swift Call & Federal Nod
In a statement via CPS Rafiu Ajakaye, AbdulRazaq condemned the “unconscionable” hits, extended sympathies to CAC families and Eruku residents, and pressed for “immediate activation” of reinforcements. He hailed President Tinubu’s recent 900-troop boost to Kwara as a game-changer, reaffirming state-federal synergy: “We will continue backing agencies to safeguard lives and property.”
X Erupts: Protests, Skepticism, and “Tinubu Must Go” Cries
Social media’s a powder keg—over 20 fresh posts since yesterday, blending grief, fury, and doubt. Youths blocked the Kwara-Kogi highway in protest, chanting for action amid fears of escalation. One user tied it to broader “Christian genocide” narratives: “From Eruku to Giwa Kaduna—slaughtered by terrorists. Tinubu, RESIGN NOW!” Another dismissed it as “propaganda,” sparking backlash: “Ani oloriburuku—people dying, and you call it fake?” Calls for state of emergency echo: “Kwara’s no longer far from the rest—declare it NOW!” Videos of the church chaos and fleeing crowds rack millions of views, fueling #EndTerroristsKllingInNigeria trends.
Eruku’s cries echo Nigeria’s endless insecurity saga—border vulnerabilities, delayed responses. Troops incoming, but will it stem the tide? Prayers for the abducted, healing for the wounded. What’s next for Kwara? Share your thoughts. 🕊️🇳🇬 #ErukuAttack #KwaraSecurity #EndBanditry
