In a tragic incident that has shaken the Eruku community in Kwara State, armed bandits launched a deadly attack on a church service, resulting in multiple casualties. The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that two individuals lost their lives while one vigilante sustained serious injuries during the Tuesday evening assault.
Swift Police Response Thwarts Further Bloodshed
The attack occurred at approximately 6 pm on Tuesday, November 18, at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, located in Eruku community. According to police reports, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Eruku police division immediately mobilized his team upon hearing gunshots from the outskirts of the town.
The quick response of police operatives, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes. This prompt action potentially prevented further loss of life as the assailants were disrupted during their violent operation.
Tragic Discovery and Victim Identification
Following a thorough search of the area, security personnel made heartbreaking discoveries. Inside the Christ Apostolic Church, they found Mr. Aderemi, who had been fatally shot during the worship service. The violence extended beyond the church walls as another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was discovered in the nearby bush, also suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Among the casualties was also Segun Alaja, a vigilante member who sustained gunshot injuries during the response operation. He was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for emergency medical treatment. The injured vigilante represents the brave local security personnel who risk their lives to protect communities.
Police Assurance and Ongoing Security Measures
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has commended the swift response demonstrated by both police officers and vigilante members. In an official statement, the police chief assured residents that security agencies will not relent in their efforts to completely eliminate the threat posed by these criminal elements.
The police commitment includes intensifying patrols and implementing strategic measures to prevent future attacks in Eruku and surrounding communities. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing rural communities in Nigeria and the crucial role of police-vigilante collaborations in maintaining public safety.
