The assault targeted multiple locations, including a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, where one worshipper was shot dead. Another victim’s body was later discovered in the nearby bush.


The attack occurred around 6:00 PM on November 18, 2025. In a statement, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that police and vigilante forces swiftly responded to reports of gunfire in the outskirts of Eruku. Their intervention forced the attackers to flee into the bush.

“The Kwara State Police Command confirms an attempted bandit attack in Eruku,” the statement read. “The DPO of Eruku, along with his team of police operatives and local vigilantes, responded quickly to the gunshots, which caused the attackers to retreat.”


Police identified the victims as Mr. Aderemi, who was fatally shot inside the church, and Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, whose body was found in the bush after the attack.

Additionally, a local vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for treatment.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, praised the rapid response of the police and vigilante groups, assuring the public that authorities would continue to pursue the attackers until they are apprehended.

Earlier reports from newsmen indicated that the attack began during a special church service at the Christ Apostolic Church, where gunmen opened fire on worshippers. Three individuals were reportedly killed on the spot, and several others, including the pastor, were abducted and taken into the bush.

One eyewitness described the terrifying scene: “The gunmen stormed the church while we were gathered for service. They started shooting, and three people died immediately. Then they rounded up the pastor and some other worshippers and forced them into the bush.”

Read Also: Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Kidnap 42 in Fresh Attacks in Niger

The attackers then carried out another assault along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing travelers to abandon their vehicles and flee into nearby forests. One traveler, returning from Niger State, described the harrowing moments in a voice note obtained by The Punch: “They arrived around 6:30 PM and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly.

Community leaders in Eruku lamented the repeated attacks over the past three weeks, stressing the urgent need for government intervention. Benjamin Ayeoribe, a local leader, expressed frustration at the lack of concrete action from both the local and state governments.


Kwara State has seen a troubling surge in banditry, killings, and kidnappings in recent months, with communities along the state’s borders being particularly hard hit. The violence shows no sign of abating, leaving residents and authorities struggling to contain the ongoing crisis.

Source: Punch