Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Two killed, several people kidnapped in Kwara church attack; Saraki urges Tinubu to wake up

“I call on the federal government…to urgently act to ensure that the kidnapped victims …and return home safely to their loved ones,” said Mr Saraki.

• November 19, 2025
Screenshot of Kwara church attack; Tinubu sleepin
Screenshot of Kwara church attack; Tinubu sleepin

The police command in Kwara has confirmed bandits’ attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA on Tuesday, saying at least two people were killed and one other wounded.

In a video circulating online, the armed bandits stormed the church, shooting sporadically with worshippers scrambling for safety.

Multiple reports said the bandits kidnapped an unspecified number of worshippers during the attack.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the divisional police officer, alongside police operatives and local vigilantes, responded after gunshots were heard from the outskirts of the community.

“The Kwara state police command confirms an attempted bandit attack in Eruku, which occurred at about 18:00 hours of today, 18th November 2025.

“Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim Mr Aderemi was discovered fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun while one Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi another victim of fatal gunshot was found in the bush,” said the police.

The command added a vigilante, Segun Alaja, who was shot and wounded, was taken to a hospital in Eruku for medical treatment.

Police commissioner Adekimi Ojo commended the prompt response of the police and vigilante teams, assuring residents of continued commitment to tracking down the perpetrators.

Reacting to the attack, former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the federal government and security agencies to urgently ensure the freedom of kidnapped victims.

“I call on the federal government, particularly the heads of our security agencies, to urgently act to ensure that the kidnapped victims of this sad incident regain their freedom and return home safely to their loved ones. I also enjoin the security agencies to put a solid arrangement in place that will secure Eruku town, in particular, and all parts of Kwara state,” Mr Saraki said in a statement on Wednesday.

The latest attack came amid a disturbing rise in banditry, killings and kidnappings for ransom in different parts of the country.

On Monday, a gang of armed bandits with sophisticated weapons, shooting sporadically, stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko district, Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi, abducting 25 students and killing the vice principal.

Armed bandits also attacked the Kushe Gugdu community in Kagarko LGA in Kaduna, killing one person and abducting a Catholic priest, Bobbo Paschal.

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