Armed men attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community of Kwara State on the evening of November 18, 2025, killing at least three worshippers and abducting the pastor along with several congregants.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack happened during a live-streamed service led by a young pastor. Gunshots suddenly rang out, causing panic among worshippers who scrambled for safety. One witness said, “The gunmen came in quickly and started shooting; everyone was running for their lives.”
After entering the church, the attackers ransacked the premises, taking personal items from worshippers before forcing several people, including the pastor, into the nearby bush. The exact number of abducted worshippers is still uncertain, with reports varying across different sources.
Three victims reportedly died instantly during the attack. One man was found shot inside the church, while another was discovered in the bush. A local vigilante, Segun Alaja, was also injured and rushed to ECWA Hospital in Eruku for treatment.
Community leaders in Eruku have highlighted that the town has suffered multiple bandit attacks in recent weeks. They accused local and state authorities of ignoring repeated calls for protection, saying, “We have been asking for help, but nobody came until it was too late.”
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that officers, together with local vigilante groups, responded quickly after hearing gunshots. Police said the attackers fled into surrounding bushlands, and investigations are ongoing to determine the number of abducted worshippers and bring the assailants to justice.