ERUKU, Kwara State, Nigeria (BN24)— Panic and terror swept through Eruku, a community in the Ekiti Local Government Area, on Tuesday evening when gunmen attacked a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the church pastor.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants struck without warning during a church meeting, opening fire on worshippers and forcing them to flee into surrounding bushes. “The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting. Three people were killed instantly,” one resident said. “They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still don’t know the exact number taken.”
The attackers reportedly entered the community through bush paths connecting Eruku to neighboring settlements, advancing into the town with sporadic gunfire that sent residents and travelers fleeing in panic. Vehicles were abandoned on roads as residents scrambled for safety, creating scenes of chaos across the community.
A traveler escaping the attack recorded a frantic video from the bush, describing the mayhem. “This is 18-11-2025. On my way back from the Federal Poly, Bida, Niger State, we were coming through Ilorin road when they started shooting. Everybody has scattered into the bush. Please, come to our rescue. They are shooting everywhere. People have abandoned their vehicles. The community is in chaos,” he said, his voice trembling.
Reports indicate that three people were killed, though some sources suggest two fatalities, reflecting the confusion during the assault. An unspecified number of worshippers were abducted, including the CAC pastor. The gunmen reportedly fled through forested areas linking Eruku to neighboring communities, leaving a trail of fear in their wake.
Residents say Eruku has faced repeated attacks in recent weeks, despite local authorities, vigilante groups, and the Eruku Progressive Union attempting to secure the area. “Nothing concrete has come from the authorities. We are living in fear every day,” a community member said, highlighting the growing insecurity in the region.
The Kwara State Police Command and the state government have yet to issue a formal public statement, though the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the attack. She said the Divisional Police Officer and his team responded quickly to gunfire reports, with assistance from local vigilante groups.
The attack has intensified fears across Eruku and surrounding areas, raising concerns about escalating violence in parts of Kwara State. Authorities continue to investigate the identities, motives, and movements of the attackers, while residents remain in uncertainty over the fate of the abducted pastor and worshippers.
 in Eruku, Kwara State, Nigeria, killing three worshippers and abducting the pastor and others. The community is in panic as authorities respond.){kind=link}