By Ayodele Oni
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari have reacted to the shocking attack by bandits on a church at Eruku which claimed lives and abduction of several worshippers.
Report revealed that an unconfirmed number of worshipers were abducted when bandits attacked a branch of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in the Eruku community, a boundary town with Kogi in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara state while Church Service was ongoing.
A video of the attack, captured during a live stream shows the worshipers conducting a service when sporadic gunshots were heard from around the church premises on Tuesday.
The congregation, led by a young Pastor, scampered for safety as the gunshots intensified, after which some bandits were seen entering the church. The screams from the members of the congregation, including children, were heartbreaking.
More than five armed bandits stormed the building and ransacked the place of worship, carting away belongings of the worshippers. The young Pastor who was conducting the service was one of those abducted, according to reports.
In response, Governor AbdulRazaq requested that more security agents be urgently deployed to Ekiti Local Government Area, especially Eruku axis, to immediately curtail the new wave of attacks in the area.
“The Governor sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area,” according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.
“He requested that this new measure be activated immediately. The Governor condemned the unconscionable attack, sympathised and identified with the people of Eruku and environs, especially families and the CAC directly impacted by the condemnable attack of Tuesday.
“The state government will continue to support the security agencies to tackle these challenges and ensure safety of lives and properties across the state.”
The Governor, similarly, commended President Bola Tinubu for the deployment of 900 additional troops in Kwara, saying this is expected to strengthen security in the state.
“We have indeed seen appreciable calm in many areas previously affected. We sincerely thank the President for this.
“We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” the statement added.
Emir of Ilorin, and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari condemned the Tuesday evening’s attack on some Church worshippers in Eruku town, in Ekiti Local government area of the state.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, expressed concern over the incidence stressing that, “It is most unfortunate, condemnable and worrisome.”
He noted that it is saddened that the dastardly and unpatriotic act occured when governments at all levels are making concerted efforts towards getting the nation rid of banditry, terrorism and other felonious acts.
The Emir appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts by mobilising forces for the safe return of all the kidnapped victims even as he mourned those who were killed during the attack.
He, therefore, prayed Almighty Allah for the repose of the souls of the dead and comfort their families
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