Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has strongly condemned the brutal terrorist attack that struck Eruku town in Kwara State's southern region on Tuesday evening, describing the incident as both shocking and deeply distressing.
Condemnation and Call for Action
In an official statement released early Wednesday, Saraki expressed his profound concern about the violent assault on his home state. "I received the sad news of the terrorist attack on Eruku town in my home state, Kwara, with great concern," the former Senate President stated, confirming that multiple residents sustained injuries while others were forcibly taken by the attackers.
Saraki emphasized that the violent incident has completely disrupted the normally peaceful atmosphere that characterized the community, necessitating immediate and decisive action from security authorities. He extended his sympathies to all affected victims and their families, adding: "I sympathise with all the victims and their relatives. I pray for Allah's healing, restoration and strength at this difficult time."
Urgent Security Measures Demanded
The prominent political figure made a direct appeal to both the Federal Government and security agency heads to act swiftly in securing the release of kidnapped victims while strengthening security protocols across Kwara State. "I call on the Federal Government, particularly the heads of our security agencies, to urgently act to ensure that the kidnapped victims of this sad incident regain their freedom and return home safely to their loved ones," Saraki declared.
He further highlighted the critical need for establishing robust, long-term security arrangements for Kwara State, given its strategic national positioning. "The state is one of the gateways into the country and a link between the southern and northern parts. This makes it deserving of a special security arrangement that will not jeopardise our national interest and internal peace," Saraki explained, underscoring the state's geographical significance.
Chaotic Scene and Police Response
According to multiple reports, Eruku town descended into chaos on Tuesday evening when armed, masked men stormed a church service at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun branch. The assailants interrupted the worship session, killing five congregants on the spot and abducting numerous others, including the officiating pastor.
Eyewitness accounts, though provided anonymously, described how the attackers invaded the church during the gathering and opened fire indiscriminately. "They also took away some worshippers," one witness recounted emotionally. The kidnappers subsequently escaped with their captives through nearby bush paths, leaving behind a traumatized community.
The Kwara State Police Command has officially confirmed the Tuesday attack in Eruku. Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi stated in an official release that the incident occurred at approximately 18:00 hours. "The DPO Eruku and his team of police operatives, in collaboration with vigilantes, swiftly responded to the sound of gunshots emanating from the outskirts of the town, prompting the hoodlums to flee into the bush," she reported.
Following thorough searches of the area, authorities discovered one male victim, Mr. Aderemi, fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, while another victim, Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, was found in the bush with fatal gunshot wounds. A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries during the response and was immediately transported to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for emergency medical treatment.
State Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo commended the rapid response demonstrated by both police personnel and vigilante groups, while assuring the public that security agencies remain committed to completely eliminating the criminal elements responsible for the attack.
The terrifying incident has significantly heightened fear throughout Eruku-Egbe boundary communities, which have experienced repeated attacks in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about regional security stability.
Concluding his statement, Saraki offered prayers for divine intervention: "May Allah (SWT) heal our land and help us defeat all those waging wars against Nigeria."
