An elderly survivor has provided a chilling account of the recent violent attack at a Christ Apostolic Church branch in Kwara State, revealing specific instructions given by the armed assailants during the terrifying ordeal.
The Sudden Attack During Evening Service
The peaceful evening program at Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Isegun turned into a scene of panic and chaos when armed bandits unexpectedly stormed the premises. According to the elderly witness who spoke with BBC, the attackers arrived when nobody anticipated danger, immediately targeting anyone near the entrance.
The church's security personnel were among the first victims as the assailants shot him during their initial assault. The sound of gunfire outside the building sent worshippers into a state of confusion and fear, with everyone scrambling for safety.
Bandits' Specific Instructions to Worshippers
As the armed men moved through different sections of the church building, they issued clear commands to the terrified congregation. The survivor vividly recalled the moment when the attackers ordered all present to lie down on the ground.
"When they started shooting, everybody was running," the eyewitness stated. "They rushed to our security man, they shot him. They said all of us should lie down on the ground. They entered the church and began to shoot as everyone ran."
The instructions compounded the already intense fear among church members, who struggled to comply while simultaneously attempting to escape the violence. The chaotic situation left little time for anyone to react safely or plan an escape.
Location and Community Impact
The attack occurred in the Eruku community, a border town close to Kogi State under the Ekiti local government area. This location highlights the ongoing security challenges facing border communities in Nigeria, where criminal elements often exploit jurisdictional complexities.
The incident resulted in multiple casualties and abductions, though specific numbers weren't provided in the survivor's account. The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of worship centers and the escalating boldness of criminal groups operating in the region.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
Nigerians have expressed outrage and concern following the circulation of the eyewitness account on social media platforms. TikTok users shared emotional reactions to the viral video, with many questioning the security situation in the country.
User @AliceEnterprises raised practical concerns about the logistics of the abduction, questioning how the bandits managed to escape with kidnapped victims using motorcycles. Meanwhile, @Folashade offered prayers for divine intervention, pleading for mercy and protection.
Other comments reflected growing frustration with the security situation, with @LESCUT DC stating "We're suffering, we're starving we're not safe which kind country is this" and @Olamilekan calling for collective action against the continuing violence.
The attack represents another concerning incident in the pattern of violence targeting religious gatherings in Nigeria, raising urgent questions about security measures at worship centers and the broader security challenges facing communities across the country.
