Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has condemned the recent attack on church worshippers in Eruku Town, Ekiti Local Government Area.
The monarch in a statement yesterday throught his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, expressed deep concern over the incident which he described as “most condemnable and worrisome.”
The emir said it was particularly saddening that the attack occurred in spite of ongoing efforts to tackle banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.
He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims, and mourned those killed during the attack.
The emir prayed that Almighty Allah repose the souls of the deceased and comfort their families.
The state police command had confirmed on Tuesday that suspected bandits killed at least two people and injured one during the attack.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has requested urgent additional security deployment to Ekiti Local Government Area, especially Eruku axis, to promptly curb the new wave of attacks in the area.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Rafiu Ajakaye, condemned the unreasonable attack and sympathised with the people of Eruku and environs, especially the families and the church directly impacted by the attack.
“The governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area.
“He requested that this new measure be activated immediately.
“The state government will continue to support security agencies to tackle these challenges and ensure the safety of lives and properties,” the statement said.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for the deployment of 900 additional troops to Kwara, saying the move is expected to strengthen security in the state.
“We have indeed seen appreciable calm in many areas previously affected. We sincerely thank the president for this.
“We are confident that the additional troops will provide deterrence, overall safety for our people and permanent calm,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Police Command has confirmed an attempted bandit attack in Eruku, which occurred at about 6pm on Tuesday.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said “the DPO of Eruku and his team in collaboration with vigilantes, swiftly responded to the sound of gunshots emanating from the outskirts of the town, prompting the hoodlums to flee into the bush.
”Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim, Mr Aderemi was discovered, fatally shot inside Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun; while Mr Tunde Ajayi, another victim of a fatal gunshot, was found in the bush.
“A vigilante member, Segun Alaja also sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital, Eruku, for medical treatment,” she said.
