Kwara Church Attack: Bandits Hid in Trees for Hours Before Launching Deadly Assault

Worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun, located on Oke-Ado Street in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, gathered last Tuesday around 6:30 p.m. for a thanksgiving service—unaware that armed attackers had been waiting in hiding around the premises.

The church was unusually crowded as families, friends, and well-wishers had assembled to celebrate the release of 18 community members who had recently regained freedom after being kidnapped months earlier. The church’s technical team even arranged a Facebook livestream for members who could not attend in person, but the broadcast was abruptly cut short when gunmen stormed the premises.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that the service was already in full swing when sudden bursts of gunfire erupted outside. Many congregants initially mistook the sounds for festive knockouts associated with the approaching Christmas season. Moments later, four armed bandits carrying AK-47 rifles burst into the church, firing indiscriminately.

Panic spread instantly as the intruders shot three worshippers dead and abducted 35 others—tragically turning a thanksgiving ceremony into a fresh cycle of grief. Unknown to the congregation, the attackers had reportedly climbed trees surrounding the church and waited for the right moment to strike. Witnesses said the gunmen dropped down from their hiding spots before launching the assault.

Resident Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele recounted the incident:

“We were having a Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago and were released. We didn’t know danger was around. The bandits came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree where one of the bandits was hiding. Three people died instantly, and 35 members were kidnapped.”

Community spokesperson Olasukanmi Ayeni identified the dead as Tunde Asabe, Segun Alaja, and Deremi. He also confirmed that a young girl with a severe gunshot wound to the neck was in critical condition at a hospital.

Ayeni disclosed that bandits had tried to infiltrate Eruku for four weeks through the Eruku/Egbe and Eruku/Omu-Aran routes but were repeatedly repelled by local hunters and vigilantes. He said calls for help from state and local authorities went unanswered.

“If they had responded, this attack wouldn’t have happened. The bandits later reinforced, and that was how they managed to enter our community.”

He, however, praised local police officers who had been working with vigilantes to pursue the criminals into the forests.

Victims, Residents Accuse Police of Failing to Act

Victim Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were abducted, said:

“At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts. By the time we mobilised to confront the attackers, it was too late. We have soldiers and police nearby, but nothing was done. When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate; they even tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape.”

Youth leader Shola Peters accused the police division of neglecting the community despite benefiting from local support:

“We built houses for the DPO and policemen, but when we needed them, they failed us. Instead of joining us to chase the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General must probe the Eruku division.”

He said the attackers were heavily armed:

“Our youths only had a Dane gun and one pump-action, but the bandits came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.”

Government Responds: Schools Closed, New Military Base Planned

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited Eruku and announced discussions with military and police authorities to establish a Forward Operating Base and a Mobile Police Squadron in the town.

“We will speak with the GOC about having a Forward Operating Base in Eruku and with the IGP about establishing a mobile squadron here. It is unfortunate what happened despite our efforts,” the governor said.

Amid rising tension, the state government ordered the closure of schools in four LGAs—Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti—over fresh security threats. The Nigeria Union of Teachers confirmed the directive in a circular signed by its chairman, Yusuf Agboola.

Youths Protest, Block Major Highway

Hours after the attack, angry youths blocked the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway with bonfires and barricades, accusing security agencies of abandoning them during the assault. A vigilante told Saturday Vanguard that the timing of the attack—coming days after forest guards and local vigilante members were moved for training—raised suspicions.

Kwara Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who visited the town with the DSS director, promised action and said an Armoured Personnel Carrier would be permanently stationed in Eruku.

Traditional Ruler, Saraki Condemn Attack

The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Arinde Oyediran Olanrewaju, told the governor that bandits had been terrorising the area for months, forcing farmers and teachers to flee.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the incident as “most unfortunate, condemnable, and worrisome,” urging security agencies to ensure the safe return of kidnapped victims.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also condemned the attack as “shocking and deeply distressing,” saying Kwara’s strategic position as a gateway between the North and South makes it deserving of a stronger, long-term security structure.

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