Gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in Eruku, a border community between Kwara and Kogi, abducting an unknown number of worshippers during a Sunday service. The attack, caught on a live-streamed video, showed the congregation scrambling for safety as gunfire erupted outside. The young pastor leading the service attempted to flee with members as armed men pushed their way into the church.

Witnesses say at least five heavily armed bandits overpowered the worshippers, stealing their belongings before dragging several people into the surrounding bush. According to Punch, three members of the church were killed on the spot, while the pastor and multiple congregants were taken away.

One resident recounted: “The gunmen came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting, and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush.”

Community leader Benjamin Ayeoribe revealed that Eruku has suffered a series of attacks in the last three weeks, yet appeals to authorities have yielded no meaningful response. He said the community is now living in constant fear.

The incident happened barely 48 hours after another bandit raid on Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were abducted, adding to mounting concerns over escalating insecurity in the region.