New details have emerged on how armed bandits abducted more than 30 worshippers during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, left three people dead. It came as the Kebbi State Government released the names of schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko‑Wasagu Local Government Area.
Pastor Lawrence Bamidele, who leads the church, told journalists that over 30 worshippers were abducted. He explained that the service had been organized to give thanks for the release of 18 congregants kidnapped two weeks earlier.
A viral video showed worshippers gathered for a livestreamed service before gunshots shattered the gathering. Some members hid behind chairs as attackers stormed the church.
At least one gunman was seen carrying worshippers’ bags. Two wore masks, while another flashed a torchlight.
Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo confirmed the death toll had risen to three. “Three people have been confirmed dead. Two died on the spot when the bandits opened fire inside the church during the evening programme. A third victim, who was rushed to the hospital, died on Wednesday afternoon,” he said.
Ojo clarified that early reports claiming a pastor was killed were false. He said Pastor Bamidele assisted officers during the response and helped evacuate an injured victim.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made. Ojo said a combined team of police operatives, local vigilantes, and intelligence units had begun combing the bush in search of the attackers. Security was reinforced across Eruku and neighbouring communities.
Community Anger and Official Response
Chairman of the Eruku Progressive Union, Elder Sola Daniel, said 27 people had been abducted. He noted that the community had compiled a list of the missing.
Daniel said residents felt increasingly vulnerable and resolved to carry out a peaceful protest to the Government House in Ilorin on Thursday.
Chairman of Ekiti Local Government, Awelewa Olawale, confirmed the third death and said vigilante teams had mobilised to pursue the attackers. Senior security officials, including the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the DSS, were in Eruku monitoring the situation.
Olawale added that Eruku’s proximity to the state boundary made it vulnerable to bandits moving through neighbouring forests. He said residents had been living in fear for weeks.
On Wednesday, youths barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba highway, accusing security agencies of abandoning the community during the assault.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ordered urgent deployment of additional security personnel to Ekiti Local Government Area. His spokesman Rafiu Ajakaye said the governor condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with affected families.
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to Kwara, saying the reinforcement had already improved calm in troubled areas.
More Condemnation of Attack
Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki condemned the attack, describing it as “shocking and deeply distressing.” He urged security agencies to ensure the swift rescue of abductees and strengthen security across the state.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu‑Gambari, through his spokesman Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, described the incident as “unfortunate, condemnable, and worrisome.” He called on security agencies to mobilise more personnel for the safe return of kidnapped victims while mourning those killed.
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Adisa Bolanta urged the government to boost security presence. He said existing posts were overstretched and called for stronger community policing.
Bolanta emphasised the importance of a well‑coordinated vigilante structure involving traditional leaders and grassroots institutions.
Actress Challenges First Lady’s Statement
Nollywood actress Bukola Arugba criticised Kwara State First Lady Olufolake Abdulrazaq over her public reaction.
The First Lady had described the incident as an “attempted attack.” Arugba said the statement downplayed the gravity of what happened.
“This involves my people directly,” she said. “We all saw the viral video. They were live‑streaming the programme when the terrorists struck. It was never an attempted attack but a successful one. I was heartbroken to read that nobody died. People were hospitalized, many were abducted, and three people were confirmed dead.”
The actress identified some victims as her aunt, Titi Balogun, and her cousins, Ebenezer and Aina. “The report on your page is false. It completely contradicts what happened,” she added, calling for urgent help for her community.
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