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Gunmen attacked a church in Kwara State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, killing two people in a violent assault captured on the congregation’s security camera, authorities have confirmed.
The incident comes against the backdrop of controversial remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier this month threatened military action over what he described as the killing of Christians in Nigeria — a claim the Nigerian government has strongly dismissed.
The attack occurred during an evening service at a church in Eruku, a community in Kwara State. Video footage from inside the building shows the moment worship was disrupted by bursts of gunfire. Children can be heard screaming outside as an armed assailant chases worshippers across the church grounds. Other attackers were seen snatching personal belongings amid the chaos.
According to a statement issued overnight, the Kwara State Police Command said officers in Eruku, “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.”
After combing the area, police discovered two fatalities. “Upon thorough search of the area, one male victim; Mr Aderemi was discovered fatally shot inside the Christ Apostolic Church… while one Mr Tunde Asaba Ajayi another victim of fatal gunshot was found in the bush,” the statement said. Another man who was injured was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has requested reinforcements to strengthen local security. According to a statement from his chief press secretary on Wednesday, the governor has “sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area.”
Kwara has endured several bandit-related incidents in recent months. In response to rising insecurity, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional military personnel in October to dismantle criminal camps hidden in the state’s forested areas.
