The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has dispatched a unit from the Force Intelligence Directorate to Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State to probe the recent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and identify the perpetrators.
The Directorate, tasked with collecting and analysing intelligence to support police operations, arrived in the area on Tuesday afternoon.
Led by senior intelligence officer Ibo Sam, the team toured the affected locations under the guidance of Pastor Abiodun Bamidele of the CAC. During the visit, the officers examined the church premises, which were riddled with bullet holes, and interviewed at least one victim.
The team leader stated that the IGP has issued a firm directive to “fish out the perpetrators.”
‘Fresh Attack’
Meanwhile, bandits launched an assault on the nearby Isapa community in the same LGA, abducting 11 residents in a violent raid. Reports indicate that more than 20 gunmen attacked on Monday, armed with a large herd of cattle and firing indiscriminately. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet.
A community leader, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the abduction of 11 people, including seven members of the same family. Victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children. Identified victims are: Talatu Kabiru (20), Magaji (6), Kande (5), Hadiza (10), Mariam (6), Saima (5), Habibat (Housewife), Fatima Yusufu (Pregnant), Sarah Sunday (22), Lami Fidelis (23, nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah (Nursing mother).
Residents reported that the attackers moved through the community, shooting indiscriminately and leaving walls and doors riddled with bullet holes. Expended AK-47 shells were recovered after they fled.
The recent raid occurred about two weeks after gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others. Channels Television previously reported that the terrorists stormed the church during a meeting, opened fire, and escaped through bush paths connecting Eruku to neighbouring areas.
Release of Abducted Worshippers
On Sunday, the Kwara State Government confirmed that all 38 abducted worshippers had been released. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, via his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, credited the rescue to a “hands-on approach” by President Bola Tinubu, who “personally led the efforts” to secure their freedom, though details of the release were not disclosed.
Security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and Nigeria Police, were also commended for their involvement.
During the attack, gunmen had initially demanded ₦3 billion in ransom, later reducing it to ₦760 million, according to community sources. Following the incident, youths in Eruku staged a protest, blocking the Ilorin–Kabba highway and accusing security operatives of delayed response during the hour-long assault.
In response to the series of attacks, President Tinubu postponed planned trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to receive additional security briefings on the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, the Niger State attack, and the Kwara incidents. He also directed the police to pursue the attackers.
Despite the shock from the church attack, the Christ Apostolic Church conducted its first service on Sunday since the incident. Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka said leaders encouraged members to attend despite fear and trauma.
In his sermon, Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the attack as a test of faith, reminding the congregation of God’s promise for the safe return of the abducted worshippers and likening their ordeal to the trials of the Israelites.