By Seyi Odewale
Security presence intensified in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday following the circulation of a disturbing video showing armed bandits invading the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, killing three worshippers and abducting several others.
Community spokesman, Ayeni Olanipekun, confirmed that soldiers have fully taken control of the community, with the State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, also on the ground leading police operations. He added that the deployment followed presidential approval.
“As we speak, soldiers have taken over Eruku. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ojo Adekimi, is also there with his team. We learnt that President Bola Tinubu approved their deployment. We also learnt that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is on his way to Eruku with his team,” he said.
Olanipekun noted that several local hunters who entered the forests to track the abductors have not returned, heightening concerns about the extent of the criminal hideouts. Efforts to reach the Commissioner of Police for further updates were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.
The viral video showed bandits firing repeatedly inside the church as worshippers—young and old—ran in panic. Some were pursued into smaller rooms, while other attackers were seen collecting handbags left behind.
In a parallel response, the Kwara State Government has activated special protective measures in schools across five local government areas—Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero—to prevent criminals fleeing intensified security operations from targeting schoolchildren.
The state explained that the steps are proactive, especially as boarding schools in Irepodun could be attractive targets for kidnappers seeking human shields.
The measures will remain in force pending further security clearance for the resumption of normal school activities.
The state authorities assured parents and residents that safeguarding students remains a top priority.
