Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has condemned Tuesday’s terrorist attack on Eruku town in Kwara State, describing the incident as shocking and deeply unsettling.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued early Wednesday, Saraki said: “I received the sad news of the terrorist attack on Eruku town in my home state, Kwara, with great concern,” noting that several residents were injured and others abducted.
He said the assault had shattered “the usually serene and peaceful atmosphere of the town,” urging authorities to act decisively to prevent further breakdown of security.
“I sympathise with all the victims and their relatives. I pray for Allah’s healing, restoration and strength at this difficult time,” the former Senate President added.
Saraki called on the Federal Government and security chiefs to prioritise the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims and intensify security presence across the state.
“I call on the Federal Government, particularly the heads of our security agencies, to urgently act to ensure that the kidnapped victims of this sad incident regain their freedom and return home safely to their loved ones,” he said.
Emphasising Kwara’s strategic position as a link between southern and northern Nigeria, Saraki urged the establishment of a more robust and long-term security framework.
“The state is one of the gateways into the country and a link between the southern and northern parts. This makes it deserving of a special security arrangement that will not jeopardise our national interest and internal peace,” he stated.
He prayed for divine intervention, adding: “May Allah (SWT) heal our land and help us defeat all those waging wars against Nigeria.”
Details of the Attack
The Guardian reported that Eruku town was thrown into chaos on Tuesday evening when armed masked men stormed a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun branch, during a service, killing five worshippers and abducting several others, including the officiating pastor. Many more were injured, including a local vigilante.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire during the church gathering, killing “about five members on the spot.”
“They also took away some worshippers,” one distraught witness recounted.
The assailants escaped with their captives through nearby bush paths. Residents say fear has intensified across the Eruku–Egbe axis, which has suffered repeated attacks in recent weeks.
Police Confirm Incident, Begin Response
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the attack, noting that it occurred around 18:00.
She said operatives, led by the Eruku Divisional Police Officer, responded immediately to gunshots on the town’s outskirts, forcing the gunmen to flee.
During a search of the area, police recovered the bodies of two victims—Aderemi, found inside the CAC church, and Tunde Asaba Ajayi, discovered in the bush. A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commended the quick response of security teams and assured residents that security agencies would not relent until criminal elements are fully eliminated.
