Gunmen Kill Worshippers, Kidnap Pastor In Attack On Kwara Church

Gunmen Kill Worshippers, Kidnap Pastor In Attack On Kwara Church.
Multiple victims, including the pastor, were kidnapped and taken through bush-paths.
Residents report repeated attacks as police confirm the latest violent incident.

At least three worshippers were killed and several others, including the pastor, were kidnapped when armed men invaded a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church in the Eruku community on Tuesday evening.

The attack happened during a church meeting at Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the premises without warning, opened fire on worshippers and forced others into the bush.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that an eyewitness told reporters:
“The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting. Three people were killed instantly. They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still do not know the exact number taken.”

Another resident described the panic that followed:
“They came in the evening and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we do not even know how many were taken.”

The attackers reportedly accessed the community through bush-paths linking Eruku with surrounding settlements. Residents fled into the bush, abandoning vehicles on the road. A traveller who narrowly escaped said:
“This is 18-11-2025. On my way coming back from the Federal Poly, Bida, Niger State, we were coming through Ilorin road when they started shooting. Everybody has scattered into the bush.”

While some accounts report three deaths, others indicate two fatalities. The Nigerian Tribune noted:
“Gunmen killed two persons in an attack on the Eruku community … The armed gang attacked worshippers … killed one person, and abducted some others.”

The conflicting details reflect the confusion surrounding the incident, but all reports confirm kidnappings involving church members, including the pastor.

Residents say Eruku has suffered repeated attacks in recent weeks, with earlier security efforts by police, vigilantes and the Eruku Progressive Union providing temporary relief. The renewed assault has intensified fear across the community.

As of the time of this report, neither the Kwara State Government nor the State Police Command had issued a detailed public statement. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Toun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the attack and said operatives, alongside vigilantes, moved swiftly after hearing the gunshots.