Security forces have taken control of the Eruku community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following a violent bandit attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun on Tuesday, which left three people dead and several others abducted.
The development comes after a disturbing video of the attack went viral, showing bandits storming the church, firing shots repeatedly as worshippers, both elderly and young, fled for safety. In the footage, some victims were pursued into smaller rooms within the church, while other attackers were seen collecting handbags left behind on the pews.
Community spokesman Ayeni Olanipekun, who confirmed the military deployment to Vanguard, said the presence of soldiers and senior police officers had restored some confidence among residents.
“As we speak, the soldiers have taken over Eruku. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ojo Adekimi, is also here with his team,” he said.
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Olanipekun added that the deployment followed presidential approval. “We learnt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved their deployment to the community. We also learnt that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is on his way to Eruku with his team.”
On rescue efforts, he revealed that some local hunters who had joined the search in surrounding forests had not yet returned, heightening concerns about their safety. Nevertheless, he stressed that efforts to locate and rescue the abducted worshippers were ongoing.
Attempts to reach the state Commissioner of Police for an official update were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was not answered at press time.
The attack has triggered outrage across Kwara and beyond, with religious bodies, community leaders, and rights groups expressing concern about the growing vulnerability of worship centres. The incident also follows a series of recent assaults on communities in the North-Central region, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
The Federal Government, facing mounting criticism, has condemned the attack, while President Tinubu has reportedly ordered security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
With the military now patrolling Eruku, residents are hoping for stability, even as many remain traumatised by the violence that shattered what was supposed to be a peaceful church gathering.
