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The wave of condemnation has continued to pour in following Tuesday’s deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where armed men killed worshippers and abducted several others during a night church programme.
The incident, which has shocked residents across the state, is the latest in a string of violent attacks that have plagued communities in the Ekiti axis bordering Kogi State.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the church premises at night, shooting sporadically and leaving the congregation in panic.
Two worshippers reportedly killed, some sustained injuries, while others were whisked away into the surrounding forest.
The attack has deepened fears in the Eruku–Obbo–Egbe corridor, which has witnessed repeated cases of kidnappings and bandit incursions in recent years.
Governor AbdulRazaq Orders Increased Troop Deployment
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a swift reaction, condemned what he described as an “unconscionable attack”, calling for urgent reinforcement of security presence in the area.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor has requested immediate deployment of additional security operatives to support the existing architecture in Ekiti Local Government.
“The Governor wholly condemns the attack, sympathises with families affected, and identifies with the CAC community.
He has sought immediate security reinforcement, and the measure is expected to take effect without delay,” the statement read.
Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara State, a move he said had restored relative calm in several troubled areas.
“We sincerely thank the President for this. We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” he said.
Senator Ashiru, Rep Ajuloopin Mourn, Call for Justice
The Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South, Architect Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a painful attack on the peace-loving people of Eruku.
In a condolence message, Senator Ashiru vowed that governments at all levels would not relent in their efforts to assist affected communities and secure the release of abducted victims.
He urged security agencies to intensify their operations to prevent further incursions.
Similarly, the federal lawmaker representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Hon. Raheem Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, described the incident as “a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence”.
“No community should have to endure such terror,” he said.
He called for intensified investigations and immediate action to bring perpetrators to justice.
Ajuloopin also commended the ongoing efforts of both state and federal authorities, emphasising that tighter surveillance and sustained troop presence were critical to restoring calm.
He urged the people of the constituency to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives as rescue efforts continue.
Rights Group Issues Strong Warning, Demands Lasting Solutions
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Kwara State Chapter, has also condemned the attack, warning that insecurity in Kwara is reaching an alarming level that demands urgent and sustained government action.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Adekunle Jimoh, the group said the Eruku attack is part of a “disturbing pattern” of violent crimes that have intensified across border communities in Ekiti Local Government. The group referenced repeated kidnappings, ambushes, and attacks on religious institutions along the Eruku–Egbe and Osi–Obbo roads over the last few years.
“Kwara’s border communities are increasingly under siege, and without decisive intervention, this could escalate into a larger humanitarian and security crisis,” the statement warned.
The CDHR called for several long-term measures, including:
A permanent military or mobile police base in the Eruku–Obbo–Egbe axis
Joint Kwara–Kogi security operations to dismantle criminal hideouts
Community-based security platforms involving traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and youth organisations
Deployment of surveillance technology and intelligence-driven policing
Full investigation of the church attack and compensation for victims
The group emphasised that security must not be reactionary and insisted that the government has a constitutional obligation to protect lives and property.
A Community on Edge
Tuesday’s attack has once again thrown Eruku and neighbouring communities into mourning. Residents say they fear that if urgent and sustained action is not taken, the area could become ungovernable.
Farmers have abandoned farmlands in recent months, travellers now avoid certain routes after dusk, and youth groups have repeatedly raised alarm over the growing presence of armed elements in forest belts around the Kwara–Kogi border.
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