At least two people were killed and one wounded during a bandit raid in Eruku, a border town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The assault struck the Christ Apostolic Church parish, where a worshipper was shot dead inside the building, and another body was later found in the surrounding bush.
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The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that the attack occurred around 6 p.m. on 18 November 2025. She said the Eruku divisional police officer, his team, and local vigilantes responded swiftly to the gunfire, forcing the attackers to retreat into the forest.
The deceased were identified as Mr Aderemi, who was killed inside the church, and Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, whose body was found in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo commended the rapid response of officers and vigilantes and assured the public that security forces would continue pursuing the assailants.
Earlier reports indicated that the same church had been targeted during a special service, with gunmen opening fire on congregants and abducting the pastor along with several worshippers. Eyewitnesses reported that three people were killed instantly during the shooting, while others were taken into the bush.
The bandits also carried out a second attack on the Ilorin–Kabba highway around 6:30 p.m., forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles and flee into nearby thickets. One traveler returning from Niger State described the chaos, saying two people were killed immediately while others were abducted.
Community leaders expressed frustration over repeated attacks on Eruku in the past three weeks. Mr Benjamin Ayeoribe appealed to local, state, and federal authorities for urgent intervention, warning that residents live in constant fear.
Despite combined efforts by vigilantes, hunters, and police, bandits continue to exploit border communities in Kwara State, which has seen a surge in kidnappings, killings, and other violent attacks in recent months.
