Ogona Anita
The residents also accused operatives of the Nigerian Police of firing teargas at local vigilantes who had run out of ammunition during a terrorist attack, instead of confronting the assailants directly.
Residents of Eruku town in the Ekiti Local Government Area have called on the Nigerian government to support them with weapons, adding that they would be able to secure their community from terrorists.
The residents also accused operatives of the Nigerian Police of firing teargas at local vigilantes who had run out of ammunition during a terrorist attack, instead of confronting the assailants directly.
The attack, which left three church members dead, has intensified concerns over security and the role of law enforcement in vulnerable communities.
One of the community representatives, who spoke during a visit by the Kwara State Commissioner of Police to Eruku, described the situation as chaotic and deeply frustrating.
The police had come to the town following the abduction and killing of some church members, but the residents say the officers’ response during the attack left much to be desired.
“We really appreciate your visit, sir, but we must speak out. Our police gave us a very serious problem,” the representative said.
“Instead of helping us during the attack, they added to our troubles. When the terrorists began shooting yesterday, for more than 30 minutes, we were left unarmed and unprepared. Our vigilantes and a few brave residents did their best to defend the community, but we quickly ran out of ammunition.”
The youth leader recounted that as the vigilantes tried to get weapons to confront the attackers, however, the Nigerian Police arrived and began firing teargas at them.
“That was when the whole situation became disrupted. Instead of mobilising to confront the terrorists, the police stayed far away, watching the attackers shoot continuously. Our people were left to fend for themselves.”
The representative added that those killed were inside the church when the terrorists struck.
He also expressed frustration at local government authorities, accusing them of neglecting the community despite repeated support during elections.
“Our local government chairman has not done well concerning our situation. They may not consider us important now, but when elections come, they beg for our support — and we always give it. After they get into power, they sideline everyone, including our monarch. He doesn’t even pick the king’s calls. What is our offence? How can a whole monarch call and be ignored?”
The residents highlighted the respect the community holds for their traditional ruler.
“We have never taken our monarch for granted. He is a highly respected person, and anyone who disrespects him is also disrespecting us,” he said.
“Finally, the community called on the government to provide more robust security support.
“Yes, sir, we are asking for any help you can give. If the government can support us with sophisticated weapons, we will be able to secure our community from terrorists,” the representative pleaded.
Residents of Eruku say they remain on edge, fearing further attacks, and have called for immediate government intervention to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that residents of Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday took to the streets in anger and frustration, blocking the Kwara–Kogi highway to protest the latest terrorist attack that claimed lives and left several worshippers abducted.
The aggrieved youths mounted logs, planks, tyres and other barricades across the major road as early as 6am, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded on both ends of the busy interstate route.
Many motorists were forced to park and wait as protesters vowed not to vacate the road until authorities respond to their demands.
Some demonstrators said the blockade was a desperate move to draw attention to the escalating insecurity in the area.
They lamented that repeated attacks have turned Eruku and neighbouring communities into soft targets for terrorists.
According to residents, the latest assault occurred on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, when terrorists stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku during a worship session, killing at least three members and abducting others.
The incident has thrown the town into deep mourning and fear.
The youths are demanding immediate deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained military presence across the border communities linking Kwara and Kogi States.
They also called on both the Kwara State government and the Federal Government to take concrete steps to prevent further attacks.
Residents say they will remain on the road until authorities show genuine commitment to protecting Eruku and its neighbouring towns from further bloodshed.
“
