Kwara Attacks: Gov. AbdulRazaq convenes security council after deadline abduction

In the wake of a brutal attack on the Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq convened an urgent security council meeting to address escalating threats from organised criminal groups in the region.

The recent violence left at least three residents dead and over 30 others abducted during a church service.

Governor AbdulRazaq, joined by top state officials and security commanders, reviewed ongoing strategies to enhance public safety and counteract the activities of kidnapping gangs.

At the meeting, officers provided detailed briefings on field intelligence, the movements of the perpetrators, and ongoing rescue operations for the abducted worshippers.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, speaking after the meeting, noted that one suspect had already been arrested in connection with the attacks.

The individual reportedly admitted to supplying weapons to the kidnappers.

Adekimi assured the public of the state government’s determination to secure the safe release of the victims without harm.

He emphasised that heightened security deployments, particularly through aerial patrols, had disrupted the kidnappers’ operations and forced them from their previous hideouts in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Adekimi also warned against the reckless dissemination of sensitive information on social media, noting that publicizing ransom demands or operational details could exacerbate risks for citizens.

Eyewitnesses described the attackers as heavily armed and sudden in their approach, catching the local community off-guard during worship.

Many residents fled into nearby bushes as the gunmen opened fire. One resident recounted, “They came around nightfall and started shooting.

”Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken.”

The bandits reportedly demanded a ransom of N3 billion for the release of the abducted parishioners, highlighting the scale and brazenness of the criminal operation.

The security council meeting reinforced the state’s commitment to aggressive action against violent non-state actors, including the adoption of intelligence-led operations and air interdictions to dismantle gang hideouts.

Officials reiterated that the government and security agencies would leave no stone unturned in rescuing the kidnapped residents and restoring stability to affected communities.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s swift response underscored the urgency with which the state is treating the escalating threat of organised crime, as well as the broader challenge of safeguarding citizens in vulnerable rural areas.

This incident followed a troubling trend of kidnappings and attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with communities increasingly targeted during religious gatherings, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring security across the region.