A night of worship turned into terror on Tuesday when armed bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, shooting the pastor and abducting several worshippers in a brazen attack that has heightened fear across the border community.
The attackers, who struck shortly after 6pm, opened fire on the congregation in the middle of an evening programme, sending worshippers scrambling for safety as gunshots echoed through the church. A video obtained by Uptown Press shows panicked congregants ducking behind chairs while the gunmen advanced, firing from outside before forcing their way into the building.
Witnesses said at least two of the assailants wore masks, while another moved through the dark with a bright torchlight as worshippers fled. One of the bandits was captured on video carrying bags left behind by those who managed to escape.
A resident, Mr Ayo, told Newmen that the gunmen “shot sporadically, killing the pastor and another member, while several others were abducted.” Another resident, who declined to be named, said the attack lasted several minutes and threw the entire Eruku community into chaos. He added that the bandits struck “during preparations for a night vigil,” exploiting the gathering to seize victims.
Local vigilantes mobilised swiftly and confronted the attackers in an attempt to repel them, but several residents insist that the community has suffered repeated assaults in recent months, raising concerns about worsening insecurity in border areas between Kwara and Kogi states.
The incident has ignited calls for an immediate security response, with residents urging both state and federal authorities to tighten surveillance and increase patrols around vulnerable communities.
As families await news of the abducted worshippers and security agencies begin investigations, Tuesday’s attack stands as yet another grim reminder of the fragile state of safety in many rural communities, and the escalating audacity of armed groups who now target even sacred spaces.
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