Tinubu orders more security deployment to Kwara after Eruku church attack

…AbdulRazaq pledges full support as operations intensify across Ekiti Local Government

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and surrounding areas in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church on Monday.

Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the directive in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the President has also instructed the police to track down the perpetrators behind the attack. Tinubu said the security breach, along with the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, demanded urgent response and sustained action.

As a result of the situation, President Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa for the G20 Summit and his scheduled attendance at the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola. The President is awaiting further briefings from security agencies and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is currently in Kebbi State on his behalf.

Tinubu stressed that security agencies must do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls and bring those responsible for the attack in Kwara to justice. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would remain firm and responsive in restoring safety in affected communities.

Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has assured residents that the state government will continue to support security agencies with needed logistics and resources to stabilise the area.

Speaking through his media team, the Governor said the deployment aligns with his earlier request to the presidency for increased military and police presence in Eruku and its adjoining communities. He noted that his administration has been in close coordination with security formations since the attack and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.

Governor AbdulRazaq appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report suspicious activity as operations continue across riverine borders and forests within the area.

He added that the government will not relent in its efforts to strengthen community security frameworks and enhance response mechanisms across the state.

The situation has drawn wide concern from community leaders and civil society organisations who have called for lasting solutions to insecurity threatening farming and border communities in the region.