Popular Yoruba actress Bukola Arugba has publicly challenged the official narrative put forward by the Kwara State First Lady regarding the recent bandit attack in her hometown of Eruku, describing the incident as a successful attack that resulted in multiple casualties and abductions rather than an attempted one as previously reported.
Contradictory Accounts of Eruku Tragedy
The controversy began when a press release shared on the Kwara State First Lady's Instagram page described the assault on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, as an attempted attack. However, Arugba, who hails from the affected community, strongly disputed this characterization in an emotional video statement.
"It was a successful attack, not an attempted attack," the actress declared emphatically. "A lot of people were abducted; three people are dead. I have spoken to a lot of people from my town, my cousins, my uncles. Presently, three to four of my cousins are in the bandits' den; they have been abducted."
Personal Connection to the Crisis
The Nollywood star revealed the deep personal impact the attack has had on her family, explaining that multiple relatives are among those currently held captive by the bandits. Her emotional testimony painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground in Eruku, contradicting the more sanitized official version.
"Everybody is crying in my town now because we can't find them," Arugba shared, her voice filled with distress. "We don't know if they will be found dead or alive."
In the caption accompanying her video, the actress directly addressed the First Lady's office: "NOT A HAPPY VIDEO. I read a press release on the Kwara State First Lady's page regarding the bandit attack in my hometown, Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, which totally contradicts the sad truth. This video is to address and correct the report released on your page, ma'am."
Industry and Public Reactions
The entertainment industry and general public have responded with overwhelming support for Arugba's courageous stance. Fellow celebrities and fans alike have expressed solidarity with the actress and the people of Eruku through various social media platforms.
Notable reactions include:
- Bidemi Kosoko: "@firstladykwara it's was an attack not attempted attack oooo prof is all over social media we all saw it."
- Officialtoyinadewale: "Omg!!! My prayers are with you and the people of Eruku Ekiti state, stay strong and safe dear. It is well."
- Samtunde49: "I grew up in eruku and that cac was the actually church i attended my mum elder sister inlaw as being taken away as we speak."
The incident has sparked broader concerns about security in the region, with many calling for immediate government intervention to address the growing banditry threat in Kwara State and neighboring areas.
