Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that two people were killed and one was injured after suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks in Eruku, a border town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
One of the attacks occurred at a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, where armed men stormed the premises during a special service and opened fire on worshippers.
A congregant identified as Mr Aderemi was shot dead inside the church, while another victim, Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was later found dead in the bush.
A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at ECWA Hospital, Eruku.
According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives from the Eruku Division, supported by vigilantes, responded immediately to gunshots from the outskirts of the town, forcing the attackers to flee into surrounding bushes.
Earlier reports indicated that the gunmen also abducted the church pastor and several worshippers during the assault.
Eyewitnesses said three people died instantly inside the church during the initial shooting.
The violence did not end there. The attackers later ambushed travellers along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles and escape into nearby bushes.
A traveller returning from Niger State narrated that two more people were shot dead during the roadside attack, while several others were believed to have been abducted.
Residents say Eruku has experienced repeated assaults in the past three weeks, sparking growing fear and frustration.
Community leader Benjamin Ayeoribe lamented the lack of tangible government intervention and appealed for urgent federal support to stop the escalating violence.
Despite combined efforts by local hunters, vigilantes and security agencies, bandits continue to exploit the remote border terrain to launch attacks.
Kwara State has seen a worrying surge in banditry, kidnappings and deadly attacks in recent months, with border communities bearing the greatest impact.
