Residents of Eruku, a quiet town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, were thrown into fear and mourning on Tuesday after terrorists attacked a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor. The incident, which took place during a church meeting, has left the entire community on edge as families search for missing loved ones and local leaders call for stronger security.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived at the church suddenly and opened fire without warning. Worshippers who had gathered for a routine evening meeting ran in different directions to escape the gunshots. But before many could flee, at least three people were shot dead on the spot. The gunmen then seized an unknown number of church members and marched them into the bush.
A community source who witnessed part of the attack described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. “The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting. Three people were killed instantly,” the source said. “They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still don’t know the exact number taken.”
The attackers were said to have escaped through bush paths that link Eruku to neighbouring communities in Kwara and Kogi states. These paths, often used by farmers and hunters, have in recent years also been exploited by criminal groups who operate in the forested areas across North-Central Nigeria. Residents say the terrain makes it easy for criminals to hide, move quickly, and avoid detection by security agencies.
Following the attack, many homes in Eruku have been filled with panic, tears, and uncertainty. Families of the abducted persons have been gathering at the church and local leaders’ houses, hoping for updates. Some residents described the night of the attack as one of the most frightening moments in the town’s history.
“We could not sleep,” a resident said. “Everywhere was quiet, but we knew something terrible had happened. People kept calling each other to ask if their relatives were safe.”
The attack has also disrupted normal activities in the area. Shops remained closed the following morning, and many parents kept their children at home out of fear that the gunmen could still be nearby. Local farmers, who usually head to their farms early in the morning, also stayed away from the bush for fear of being kidnapped.
While Kwara State is often considered one of the more peaceful states in the country, security analysts say attacks of this nature have been increasing in the North-Central region. Many communities in Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue states have in recent years reported incidents of kidnapping, bandit attacks, and killings.
Criminal groups operating in forests around the borders of these states have been responsible for raids on villages, attacks on motorists, and kidnapping of farmers. In some cases, they target religious gatherings and schools. Security experts say these groups take advantage of difficult terrain, weak security presence in remote areas, and the ability to move easily across state boundaries.
Before Tuesday’s attack, some areas of Kwara had already recorded cases of kidnapping, especially along rural roads and farming communities. Residents of Eruku and neighbouring towns say they have been living with fear for months, as stories of abductions in nearby places continue to spread.
Following the latest incident, community leaders, religious organisations, and residents have called on the Kwara State Government and federal authorities to strengthen security in the area. They say there is an urgent need for more patrols, better surveillance, and improved coordination among security agencies.
Local youths have also been discussing ways to support security efforts, but leaders warn that any response must be coordinated and lawful to avoid further violence. Some residents say the attack shows that rural communities cannot be left without adequate protection.
“We need help,” a church member said. “If criminals can enter a church and kill people just like that, it means nowhere is safe. Government must act fast.”
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not yet released an official statement on the attack. However, local reports indicate that police and vigilante groups have begun searching the bush areas around Eruku in an effort to locate the abducted persons and track the attackers.
Community members say their greatest concern now is the safety of those who were taken, especially the pastor and other worshippers whose whereabouts remain unknown. Families are hoping that the abductors will make contact soon, although many fear that ransom demands may follow, as has happened in similar cases across the region.
Back at the Christ Apostolic Church, the atmosphere remains heavy. Worshippers have been praying constantly for the safe return of their pastor and other members. The church has also been comforting the families of the three people who were killed.
