Tension has returned to Eruku, a community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, following the abduction of a resident by suspected terrorists on Sunday.
The incident comes just a week after 38 worshippers were freed from captivity after a violent kidnapping at a local church.
According to reports, four assailants armed with AK-47 rifles and cutlasses stormed a farmland along the Eruku–Koro Road around midday, abducting Annas Aasanru, a native of Eruku, before fleeing into the bush.
“They came with cutlasses and AK-47 rifles, invaded the farmland, and kidnapped a man identified as Annas Aasanru,” a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Kwara State has experienced a recent surge in banditry, with multiple high-profile attacks in just one week. On November 18, gunmen targeted a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch in Eruku during a midweek service, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 members including the pastor. The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦3 billion ransom but later reduced it to ₦760 million.
Shortly after, the Isapa community in the same local government area was attacked by more than 20 armed bandits. During the assault, the gunmen, who reportedly arrived with a herd of cattle, fired indiscriminately. An elderly woman was injured, and 11 residents were abducted, including seven from the same family. The victims also include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children.
On Monday, the Kwara State Government confirmed the release of the 38 church members abducted in Eruku.
The spate of kidnappings has left residents fearful and underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the area.
