Kwara State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed that suspected bandits killed two people and injured one during attacks in Eruku town, Kwara State.
A parish of the Christ Apostolic Church was among the places attacked.
Police said a worshipper was killed inside the church while another victim’s body was later found in the bush.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, announced the development in a statement.
“The Kwara State Police Command confirms an attempted bandit attack in Eruku, which occurred at about 18:00 hours of today, 18th November, 2025.
“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,” the statement read.
The police added that the worshipper killed in the church was identified as Mr Aderemi while the body found in the bush belonged to Mr Tunde Ajayi.
A vigilante member, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to ECWA Hospital, Eruku.
The first attack targeted the Christ Apostolic Church during a special service.
Gunmen were said to have opened fire on worshippers before abducting the pastor and an unspecified number of congregants.
An eyewitness was quoted as saying three worshippers died immediately during the church attack.
“The gunmen came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush,” the eyewitness said.
The attackers later struck along the Ilorin–Kabba Road, forcing travellers to abandon their vehicles and flee.
A traveller returning from Niger State said, “They came around 6:30pm and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken; they are still shooting.”
Community leaders said Eruku has experienced multiple attacks in the past three weeks.
Benjamin Ayeoribe urged the government to intervene.
“We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear. We are pleading with the President to intervene urgently,” he said.
Security operatives, vigilantes and local hunters have been responding to the incidents, but the attackers continue to operate around the border area.
Kwara State has recorded increased cases of banditry, killings and kidnappings in recent months, with border communities most affected.
