By DAYO ADESULU
While Nigerians are still lamenting the abduction of 25 secondary school girls in Kebbi State, gunmen have on Tuesday evening invaded CAC church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Terror returned to Kwara State on Tuesday evening as heavily armed terrorists launched a deadly assault on a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting the pastor alongside several church members. The terrorist attack in Kwara has deepened panic across the state, with residents describing the night as one of chaos, gunfire and helplessness.
Sources inside the community told The Cheer News that the attackers stormed the church during a meeting and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing terrified worshippers to dive for safety.
According to one eyewitness, the raid happened “within seconds,” leaving the congregation trapped before the gunmen seized multiple hostages.
“The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting,” the witness recounted. “Three people were killed instantly. They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still don’t know how many were taken because the place was in confusion.”
Gunmen Escape Through Bush Paths as Residents Flee in Panic
After killing the three victims, the terrorists reportedly forced the pastor and other worshippers out of the church compound and moved through bush paths linking Eruku to neighbouring towns. Those paths, locals say, have become escape corridors for bandits who wander from village to village without facing meaningful resistance.
As news of the terrorist attack in Kwara spread, fear swept across the Ekiti Local Government Area. Residents abandoned shops and rushed into their homes, while others escaped into surrounding bushes in an attempt to avoid running into the assailants.
This latest assault came only hours after an earlier wave of panic within the same community. Armed men had been seen advancing through one of Eruku’s main access routes, firing sporadically and forcing travellers to flee.
Travellers Hide in Bushes as Gunfire Echoes Across Eruku
A traveller heading to Ilorin from Niger State captured a chilling video while hiding in the forest. His voice trembled as he begged security agencies to respond to the unfolding violence.
“This is 18-11-2025,” he said breathlessly in the shaky recording. “On my way back from Federal Poly Bida, they started shooting. Everybody has scattered into the bush. Please come to our rescue. They are shooting everywhere. People have abandoned their vehicles. The community is in chaos. Please help us.”
The video, now circulating widely online, shows a dark bush path illuminated only by the traveller’s phone light, with persistent gunshots ringing out in the background.
His account aligns with reports from Eruku residents who said the terrorists moved freely through parts of the town, firing shots that echoed for long minutes without interruption.
Growing Concerns Over Security as Attackers Move Unchallenged
The terrorist attack in Kwara is the latest reminder of the state’s vulnerability to gunmen who target rural communities and religious gatherings. Residents say the attackers appeared coordinated and confident, suggesting familiarity with the terrain.
Security analysts have warned repeatedly that Kwara, particularly its border communities, sits on a corridor exploited by armed groups spreading through parts of Kogi, Niger and Ekiti axis.
Despite the scale of Tuesday’s violence, there has been no official response from the Kwara State Police Command or state authorities. Calls to emergency lines reportedly went unanswered as frightened residents waited for hours, hoping for military or police deployment.
Community in Mourning as Search Efforts Begin
Families of abducted worshippers spent the night searching for information about their loved ones, while church members gathered at private homes to pray and comfort one another. The CAC congregation in Eruku is known for its close-knit fellowship, making the attack even more devastating for the community.
As of late Tuesday night, it remained unclear how many people the terrorists took into the forest or whether any rescue operations had been launched.
Security sources told The Cheer News that early assessments were underway but declined to disclose operational details.
For now, Eruku remains tense. Locals fear the attackers may still be moving across nearby communities, given their escape through dense bush routes.
The tragic attack underscores the growing security crisis across Nigeria’s North-Central region and the need for rapid intervention before more towns fall victim to roaming armed groups.
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