Eruku residents protest after deadly bandit attack

By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho –

A major protest has erupted in the Eruku community of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following a late-night attack by armed bandits that left two people dead and several others abducted.

The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in border areas of the state, with community members demanding urgent government intervention and improved protection.

The attack occurred on Tuesday night and reportedly lasted close to an hour, during which residents said no security operative responded despite the presence of a police division within the area.

Youths in the community took to the streets on Wednesday, blocking the Ilorin–Kabba highway at the entrance of the town. The blockade resulted in heavy traffic disruption as protesters voiced their frustration over what they described as repeated security negligence.

A youth leader, Peter Adesiyan, criticised the police for failing to respond during the assault, noting that the community had supported the division with facilities but received no assistance when it mattered most.

During the overnight raid, bandits also attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku. “They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” a resident told Channels Television.

Another elder in the community expressed worry over the increasing frequency of attacks in border settlements. He appealed for federal intervention, saying the situation had become unbearable for residents.

In response to the incident, the Kwara State Government has called for the deployment of additional security operatives to reinforce vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola following the killings in Eruku and the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, as security concerns continue to mount nationwide.