Military forces have assumed control of Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following a devastating attack by armed bandits on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun that left three worshippers dead and several others abducted.
The assault occurred on Tuesday evening around 6pm while the congregation was conducting a preparatory service for an upcoming night vigil. Viral video footage captured during the church’s livestream shows panicked worshippers scrambling for safety as gunshots rang out from outside the building before over five masked gunmen stormed the premises.
Mr. Aderemi was discovered fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, while another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was found dead in the bush, according to the Kwara State Police Command.
A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation with the attackers and is currently receiving treatment at ECWA Hospital in Eruku.
The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku led a rapid response team alongside local vigilantes, forcing the assailants to retreat into surrounding bushes. The pastor and an unconfirmed number of congregants were reportedly marched into the forest by the attackers.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the unconscionable attack and requested immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for the earlier deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara State, noting that this measure has already brought appreciable calm to previously affected areas.
President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security men to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area and directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.