Eruku Bandit Attack: Greater Kwara Foundation Demands Urgent, Coordinated Security Response
By Abdulsalam Ibrahim Lahdan
The Greater Kwara Foundation has expressed deep sorrow and strong condemnation following the gruesome attack on Eruku, a peaceful community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Armed bandits, in a shocking display of brutality, stormed a church during worship, killing innocent congregants and abducting several others in what the Foundation described as “a merciless assault on humanity and a painful injury to the conscience of our nation.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Foundation decried the incident, calling it “a deep wound on the soul of Kwara and an unforgettable scar on our collective memory.”
The statement read: “The news of this barbaric attack has shaken us profoundly. This is not merely an assault on Eruku—it is an attack on the peace, dignity, and humanity of everyone in Kwara State.
“No one should encounter violence in a place meant for prayer and refuge. No family should be forced into mourning because criminal elements operate with unchecked audacity.”
The Foundation extended heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
“To the bereaved families, we share in your sorrow. To the wounded, we send our prayers for swift healing. And to those cruelly abducted, we remain hopeful for your safe return. The Greater Kwara Foundation stands with you in sympathy, solidarity, and unwavering commitment.”
Describing the tragedy as a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity in Kwara, particularly in border communities like Eruku which have faced repeated attacks in recent months, the Foundation warned that complacency at this point would only embolden criminal actors.
The statement continued: “Kwara must never normalise bloodshed. What we need now is leadership that protects, leadership that comforts, and leadership that acts decisively. A leader who has been there before. We therefore call on the Kwara State Government, security agencies, and the Federal Government to treat this incident as a security emergency requiring immediate, coordinated, and uncompromising action.”
The Foundation urged authorities to deploy more tactical personnel, enhance surveillance around border communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, and reclaim the forests surrounding Eruku and adjoining towns where many of the attacks originate.
“This must go beyond a routine response. We demand a sustained, full-scale security operation backed by long-term strategies—not temporary measures. The safety of our people must rise above politics, bureaucracy, or hesitation.”
While commending the courage of local vigilantes and hunters who put their lives on the line for community safety, the Foundation insisted they must be properly supported.
“These brave community defenders deserve equipment, training, and partnership. They cannot be left to shoulder this burden alone. Security is a shared responsibility, but government bears the primary duty to protect its people.”
The Greater Kwara Foundation added by assuring the people of Eruku of its continuous advocacy and solidarity.
“Eruku, your pain is our pain. Your tears are not unseen. We stand with you today, tomorrow, and until peace fully returns to your homes and your hearts. You are resilient. You will rise again. And together, we will build a safer, stronger, and greater Kwara.”
