Horror in House of Worship: Kwara Church Attack Leaves Community in Mourning
A devastating attack on a Christian worship center in Kwara State has left the entire community in shock and mourning after armed militants stormed the building during evening services. The brutal assault resulted in multiple fatalities and the abduction of numerous congregants who remain missing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack occurred at a branch of Christ Apostolic Church located in Oke Isegun, within the Eruku community near the Kogi state border. The area falls under the Ekiti local government region of Kwara State.
Eyewitness Recounts Terrifying Ordeal
An elderly man who survived the attack shared a heartbreaking video testimony that has since gone viral on social media platforms. The witness described how the peaceful evening service was suddenly interrupted by heavy gunfire from outside the building, sending the congregation into immediate panic.
"When they started shooting, everybody was running," the elderly man recounted. "They rushed to our security man, they shot him. They said all of us should lie down on the ground."
The attackers, estimated to be up to 30 heavily armed men, then entered the church premises and began shooting indiscriminately as worshippers scrambled for safety.
No Sanctuary at the Altar
In a particularly disturbing detail, the eyewitness revealed that church members who attempted to hide behind the altar were systematically hunted down and dragged out by the assailants. The sacred space provided no protection from the violence that unfolded.
"People that hid at the altar, they dragged them out," the witness stated, emphasizing the ruthless nature of the attack on what should have been a place of refuge.
The assault resulted in three confirmed deaths with many more injured during the chaos. The witness confirmed that the community had already buried two of the victims in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Mass Abduction and Failed Rescue Attempts
Perhaps the most distressing aspect of the incident involves the 35 worshippers who fled into nearby bushes during the attack and have not been heard from since. Families remain in anguish as they await any information about their missing loved ones.
"We haven't heard from them at all," the elderly man lamented. "They didn't call us. We haven't heard anything."
Rescue efforts were further complicated when security forces used tear gas in the area, affecting both the attackers and would-be rescuers. Local vigilante groups who attempted to intervene found themselves hampered by the chemical irritants.
"Even police just shot teargas. We haven't seen them," the witness explained. "When we wanted to go home, the vigilante tried to help us but the teargas affected them. Everybody just scattered."
Community Reactions and Ongoing Crisis
The attack has sent shockwaves through social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region. TikTok users flooded the comments section of the viral video with reactions ranging from sympathy to frustration.
Disturbingly, several commenters revealed personal connections to the tragedy. One user named @Morennie wrote: "My mum and junior sister was also abducted. May God protect them." Another, @Felly, added: "This is my uncle and my step mom is also kidnapped also."
The incident highlights the growing security challenges facing religious institutions and rural communities in Nigeria, particularly in border regions where criminal elements often operate with impunity.
As the community buries its dead and awaits news of the abducted, questions remain about the effectiveness of security measures in protecting vulnerable populations from such coordinated attacks.
