Church Attack: Kwara Community Residents Protest Police Role

Residents of Eruku community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State have voiced anger over how the police handled the deadly attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in the town, which left some worshippers dead and others abducted on Tuesday night.

Recall that a gang of heavily armed gunmen stormed the church in Eruku during an evening service on November 18, 2025. The incident, which was captured on a live stream video, has sparked outrage, particularly among community members.

Narrating the ordeal, a community representative said the police’s failure to intervene effectively during the attack only worsened the situation.

“Our policemen are giving us problems. They can’t help us and still add to our problems. When this incident happened, there were gunshots for more than 30 minutes. Our vigilantes and other residents ran towards the scene with sticks and whatever we could grab.

“One of our people who tried to help even had his gun taken. While we were helping the wounded who were shot, the policemen came and discharged teargas at us,” the community said in a viral video on Wednesday.

Residents further alleged that police officers remained on the main road during the attack instead of entering the town.

“Instead of coming inside the town where the incident was happening, they stayed at the main road. In the end, we, the community members, did everything to chase these criminals, and they left.” He added that “the bodies of those killed remained in the church overnight.”

The community also called for better support for their vigilante groups.

“With all that has happened, the only help they can offer is to give us guns,” they pleaded.

In response to the community’s grievances, a police spokesperson urged residents to cooperate with security forces and offered reassurances.

“We are not happy this happened. We pray the souls of those who were killed rest in perfect peace, and we pray that such an occurrence will never happen again.

“I beg everyone in this community to join hands with us because we cannot do this alone. With God’s grace, these evil doers will be brought to justice.”

The police added that they were working closely with vigilante groups to track down the attackers and ensure the safety of the community.