Armed bandits | File Image
Suspected bandits have struck at Eruku, a boundary town in the Ekiti Local Government Area, killing no fewer than two people on Tuesday evening.
The armed bandits attacked a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, mid-night.
Eyewitnesses in the community told Channelstv that the attackers stormed the area “suddenly and heavily armed,” forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
“They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” one resident said.
Another resident lamented that Eruku had been under “perpetual attacks for the last three weeks,” with bandits striking repeatedly despite several distress calls.
“We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day,” he added.
Also read: Bandits kill five Policemen in Zamfara, governor mourns
Community members say the police, vigilantes, and the Eruku Progressive Union have mounted resistance in recent weeks, but the renewed assault has worsened fears of worsening insecurity.
“We need federal help. These attacks are becoming too much for us to bear,” an elder in the community pleaded.
The police said they responded swiftly, forcing the attackers to flee.
“Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim, Mr Aderemi, was discovered fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun; while one Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi, another victim of fatal gunshot, was found in the bush.
“A vigilante, Segun Alaja, sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for medical treatment,” the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed in a statement.
The attack has heightened concerns over banditry in Kwara’s border communities, with authorities promising stronger measures to restore peace and security.
It came days after 26 schoolgirls were abducted by gunmen who attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.
………….
For more interesting stories, click: nigerianewsflight.com.ng
