Bandits attacked Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Tuesday evening, shooting the pastor and abducting multiple worshippers during a scheduled service.
Eyewitness reports and video evidence below shows the attackers first fired sporadically from outside before gaining entry to the church, forcing worshippers to take cover. Some of the masked assailants were seen collecting bags from fleeing worshippers.
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This attack has ignited fears in the community, which is situated near the Kogi State border. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the community was under attack but stated the bandits were quickly repelled.
A resident identified as Mr. Ayo claimed the bandits shot and killed the pastor and also another member, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, provided a more concise statement, confirming that one person was killed but that the attack was repelled immediately.
Residents also reported that local vigilante member confronted the attackers immediately in order to prevent more casualties and abductions.
The attack occurred shortly after 6 p.m. during a service preparing for a night vigil. Eruku, located in Ekiti LGA, is geographically vulnerable as it shares a border with Kogi State, a region that has recently seen increased bandit activity, including kidnappings and communal violence.
The police authority has urged residents to stay calm, as they launch investigation aimed towards rescuing the abducted church members and also to bring the perpetrators to book.
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