The Kwara State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed that two people were killed and one injured after suspected bandits attacked Eruku, a boundary town in the Ekiti Local Government Area.
One of the attacks targeted a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, where a worshipper was shot dead. The police said another victim’s corpse was later found in the bush.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said, “The Kwara State Police Command confirms an attempted bandit attack in Eruku, which occurred at about 18:00 hours of today, 18th November, 2025.”
She added that the DPO in Eruku and a team of police operatives worked with vigilantes and moved toward the area after hearing gunshots, which made the attackers flee.
The statement said, “Police confirmed that a male victim, Mr. Aderemi, was fatally shot inside the church, while another, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was found dead in the bush.”
A vigilante, Segun Alaja, also suffered gunshot injuries and was taken to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, praised the quick response of the officers and vigilantes. He said security agencies will not rest until the attackers are brought down.
Earlier reports had said the gunmen opened fire during a special service at the church. An eyewitness said, “They started shooting and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush.”
The attackers also struck along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing travellers to run into nearby bushes. A traveller said in a voice note, “They came around 6:30pm and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken.”
Community leaders said Eruku has been attacked several times in the past three weeks. One resident, Benjamin Ayeoribe, said, “We are living in fear every day. We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear.”
Border communities in Kwara have faced rising banditry, killings, and kidnappings in recent months despite efforts from vigilantes, hunters, and the police.
