A survivor of the recent church attack in Kwara has provided a detailed and harrowing account of the incident, shedding light on the events that unfolded during the tragic raid. According to the survivor, the attackers struck swiftly and violently, leaving both fear and chaos in their wake.
Earlier reports by GistReel indicated that the attack occurred on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, when gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku during an evening prayer session. Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen were heavily armed and moved systematically to control the congregants, abducting several worshippers and killing some of them in the process.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that three people were killed during the raid, while several others sustained injuries as they tried to flee. The attack has left the community in shock and mourning, prompting immediate calls for increased security measures in the area.
Eyewitness Account of the Kwara Church Attack
In an interview with BBC News, an elderly survivor described the terrifying moments when the gunmen entered the church. He explained that the congregants were caught off guard as the attackers opened fire, creating panic and fear. Many people attempted to escape, while others were ordered by the gunmen to lie flat on the floor to avoid being shot.
The survivor added that the church security officer tried to intervene but was overpowered by the attackers. During the raid, the gunmen abducted at least 35 congregants, including children, and the whereabouts of those taken remain unknown. Efforts by authorities to reach the abductors and negotiate the release of the victims are ongoing.
Impact on Families and Community
Following the attack, a Nigerian farmer took to social media to express her anguish after her cousin and her cousin’s baby were abducted during the raid. The post went viral, drawing widespread attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for security intervention in vulnerable communities.
In response to the attack, the Kwara State government announced the temporary closure of schools in five districts to prevent further incidents and to ensure the safety of students. President Bola Tinubu also postponed scheduled foreign trips to receive security briefings and assess the situation personally.
International Reactions and Consequences
Amid the local response, the United States has redesignated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) due to ongoing security challenges, signaling increased international scrutiny and diplomatic attention to the escalating violence in the region.
Eyewitness and survivor accounts have highlighted the devastating human cost of the attack and the urgent need for effective government action to protect vulnerable communities. The widespread coverage by media outlets and social media has amplified calls for justice and accountability for the perpetrators.
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[/p]@bbcnewspidgin
One survivor tori how bandits carri out one deadly attack for one church for di town of Eruku for Kwara State wia pipo bin gada to pray on Tuesday evening. Two pipo die for di attack and some odas injure – di attackers also kidnap several worshippers. Di attack hapun for di Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) for Oke Isegun, for Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State during di church evening programme. Di bandits shoot di pastor of di church bifor dem round up di worshippers at gunpoint. #kwarachurchattack #kwara #nigeria #nigeriatok #bbcnewspidgin
♬ original sound – BBC News Pidgin
The attack has sparked nationwide conversations about insecurity, terrorism, and the protection of religious spaces in Nigeria. Authorities continue to investigate and monitor the situation while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The incident has also reignited debates on national security policies and the effectiveness of preventive measures in volatile regions.