KEY POINTS
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Security officials emphasize school safety as a priority in vulnerable communities.
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Reinforcements are deployed to enhance school safety and community protection.
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Residents are urged to report information supporting school safety initiatives.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is urgently requesting an enhancement of security in the Ekiti Local Government Area following recent assaults that have left residents in the Eruku axis distressed. His appeal comes after another episode of violence on Tuesday, highlighting the pressure residents in the region have endured in recent weeks.
School safety focus in Kwara attacks
The governor announced the decision in a statement sent by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday. He requested the rapid deployment of additional people, noting that this action would bolster the existing forces in the region and contribute to community stabilization.
AbdulRazaq denounced what he termed a “unconscionable attack” and his condolences to the families in Eruku, particularly those affiliated with the Christ Apostolic Church, who were significantly affected. The state government would persist in supporting security agencies in their efforts to safeguard lives and property throughout Kwara.
He also remarked on President Bola Tinubu’s recent authorization of 900 extra troops for the state, noting that the federal deployment should enhance the security framework. A request for further troops was made following reports from residents of two distinct occurrences on Tuesday evening involving suspected bandits active along the Kwara–Kogi border.
During a special service, assailants infiltrated the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku in the initial attack. Witnesses reported that they discharged firearms at the church, resulting in the immediate fatalities of three individuals before compelling the pastor and other worshippers into the foliage.
Strengthening school safety after assaults
A second contingent of armed assailants allegedly ambushed travelers and locals along the Ilorin–Kabba Road earlier that evening. Witnesses of the assault reported that numerous individuals sought refuge in the adjacent foliage as gunfire erupted.
The police subsequently verified the incidents. Spokesperson Adetohun Ejire-Adeyemi stated that an attempted attack transpired at 6 p.m. on the periphery of Eruku. The Divisional Police Officer, aided by his squad and local vigilantes, reacted to the gunshot, compelling the assailants to retreat into the jungle.
According to punch, two individuals were confirmed deceased. Authorities identified the fatalities as Mr. Aderemi, who was shot within the church, and Mr. Tunde Asaba Ajayi, whose remains were discovered in proximity. Segun Alaja, a member of a vigilante group, sustained gunshot wounds and was sent to ECWA Hospital in Eruku.
Community leader Benjamin Ayeoribe informed reporters that the town has suffered “continuous assaults for the past three weeks” and stated that requests to authorities have not yielded significant respite.
“We experience fear daily,” he stated.
