IGP Deploys Intelligence Team to Kwara Community as Bandits Launch Fresh Attack, Abduct 11 Residents

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has dispatched a specialised team from the Force Intelligence Directorate (FID) to Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State to investigate last week’s deadly attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and to identify those responsible.

The intelligence team arrived in the community on Tuesday afternoon and immediately began assessments of the affected locations.

Police Begin Forensic Investigation

Led by a senior intelligence officer identified as Ibo Sam, the officers toured the crime scene, including church buildings riddled with bullet holes, under the guidance of Pastor Abiodun Bamidele of the CAC.

The operatives carried out preliminary forensic checks and interviewed at least one victim of the attack.

According to the team leader, the IGP has given a clear directive to “fish out the perpetrators” and ensure they face justice.

Fresh Attack in Nearby Community: 11 Abducted

While the investigation was underway, bandits launched a fresh attack in the neighbouring Isapa community in the same LGA, abducting 11 residents during a violent Monday evening raid.

More than 20 armed men, accompanied by a large herd of cattle, stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet.

A community leader, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, confirmed that seven members of one family were among those abducted. The victims include:

• Talatu Kabiru (20)
• Magaji (6)
• Kande (5)
• Hadiza (10)
• Mariam (6)
• Saima (5)
• Habibat (Housewife)
• Fatima Yusufu (Pregnant)
• Sarah Sunday (22)
• Lami Fidelis (23, Nursing Mother)
• Haja Na Allah (Nursing Mother)

Residents reported that the attackers moved from house to house, firing shots, leaving walls perforated and doors shattered. Spent AK-47 cartridges were recovered after the gunmen retreated through bush paths.

This latest incident occurred barely a week after the CAC attack in Eruku, where gunmen killed three worshippers and abducted 38 congregants.

Release of 38 CAC Worshippers

On Sunday, the Kwara State Government confirmed the release of all 38 abducted worshippers.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, credited the rescue to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his intervention as a “hands-on approach” and saying the President “personally led the efforts” to secure the victims' freedom.

Officials did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the release.

Security agencies, including the NSA’s office, DSS, Nigerian Army, NIA, and the Police, were commended for their collaborative roles.

Community sources had earlier told Channels Television that the kidnappers initially demanded a ?3 billion ransom, later reducing it to ?760 million.

Angry youths in Eruku later staged a protest, blocking the Ilorin–Kabba highway, alleging that security operatives failed to respond promptly during the over-one-hour attack.

Presidential Response

Following the rise in coordinated attacks, President Tinubu postponed planned trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to receive security briefings on the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction, the Niger State incident, and the Kwara attacks.

He subsequently ordered an extensive security cordon around forests in Kwara, Niger, and Kebbi states, directing the police to aggressively pursue the attackers.

CAC Holds First Service After Attack

Despite the trauma, the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, held its first service on Sunday, one week after the attack.

Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka said church leaders encouraged members to attend despite lingering fears.

Preaching to the congregation, Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the incident as a test of faith, reminding worshippers of God’s promise of deliverance and comparing their ordeal to the trials of the Israelites.