Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for immediate and enhanced security deployment to Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly the troubled Eruku axis, following a renewed wave of violent attacks in the community.
The governor’s request was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday. AbdulRazaq urged security agencies to activate additional measures without delay to prevent further assaults on residents.
While condemning Tuesday’s attack on Eruku, he commiserated with victims, their families, and the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), which was directly affected. He assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies to safeguard lives and property across Kwara.
AbdulRazaq also praised President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to the state, saying the reinforcement would significantly boost security operations.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adetohun Ejire-Adeyemi. According to the command, the attack occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the Divisional Police Officer in Eruku led a swift response alongside other operatives and local vigilantes after gunshots were heard on the outskirts of the community, forcing the attackers to flee into the bush.
Despite the intervention, two people were killed, while residents report that an unspecified number were abducted.
Community members say Eruku has been under sustained assault for the past three weeks. Eyewitnesses described the attackers as heavily armed and arriving suddenly, prompting residents to scatter for safety.
“They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” one resident said.
Another lamented the frequency of attacks, expressing frustration over what he described as insufficient government intervention despite numerous distress calls.
Local vigilantes, police operatives, and the Eruku Progressive Union have reportedly been mounting resistance, but residents fear the situation may worsen without stronger support.
“We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us,” an elder in the community pleaded.
The incident comes just days after gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku. Authorities have confirmed that two of the girls managed to escape.
The escalating incidents have raised fresh concerns about insecurity in several parts of northern and central Nigeria.
