GOV ABDULRAZAQ CALLS FOR INCREASED SECURITY DEPLOYMENT AFTER KWARA CHURCH ASSAULT

Read Time:2 Minute, 22 Second

HOTJIST NEWS

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for an urgent increase in security deployment to the Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly the Eruku axis, to swiftly curb the recent wave of attacks.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, regarding the assault on Eruku town, the governor emphasized the need for additional security personnel to reinforce the existing security framework in the area.

He urged that the new security measures be implemented immediately.

While condemning the reprehensible attack, he expressed sympathy to the people of Eruku and surrounding communities, particularly the families and members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) who were directly affected on Tuesday.

He added that the state government would continue to support security agencies in addressing these challenges and ensuring the protection of lives and property across Kwara State.

The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to the state, noting that this move is expected to bolster security efforts.

Meanwhile, the police have confirmed the attack.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetohun Ejire-Adeyemi, the force acknowledged an attempted bandit raid in Eruku that occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

The PPRO stated that the DPO in Eruku, together with his team of police officers and local vigilantes, promptly responded to gunshots from the town’s outskirts, forcing the assailants to flee into the bush.

The statement also confirmed that two people were fatally injured during the incident.

Residents reported that the Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State was struck by another violent attack on Tuesday evening, leaving two dead and several others abducted.

Eyewitnesses in the community told our correspondent that the attackers struck “suddenly and heavily armed,” forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

“They came around nightfall and began shooting. Two people were killed immediately, and we don’t even know how many were abducted,” one resident said.

Another resident lamented that Eruku has endured “continuous attacks for the past three weeks,” with bandits repeatedly striking despite numerous distress calls.

“We have pleaded with the local and state governments for assistance, but nothing tangible has been done. We live in constant fear,” he added.

Community members noted that the police, vigilantes, and the Eruku Progressive Union have been actively resisting the attacks in recent weeks, but the latest assault has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity.

“We urgently need federal assistance. These attacks have become unbearable,” an elder in the community pleaded.

The latest assault comes just days after gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.

During that attack, the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was reportedly killed.

The state government, however, confirmed that two of the abducted girls managed to escape.