NILDS DG Warns of Growing Insecurity in Kwara, Seeks Enhanced Intelligence and Tougher Anti-Bandit Measures

Director General,National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, has condemned in strong terms the bandits’ attack on Christian worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, describing it as “one attack too many.”

According to reports, three worshippers were confirmed dead, several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, and a yet-to-be-determined number were abducted when armed bandits invaded the church premises during a service.

The attack, which occurred within the sacred grounds of the church, has sent shockwaves across the state and raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Professor Sulaiman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the trauma inflicted on worshippers. He noted that the fact that such brutality was carried out in a house of worship made the incident particularly distressing and worrisome.

The NILDS DG lamented the recurring attacks on communities across the northern and southern parts of Kwara State, observing that the trend has continued to claim innocent lives, inflict injuries, and result in the abduction of residents who are later subjected to ransom demands. He highlighted the ripple effects of these crimes, which include widespread fear, perpetual mourning, and financial hardship for already vulnerable families.

Describing the persistent violence as “condemnable and unacceptable,” Professor Sulaiman acknowledged the ongoing efforts of both federal and state governments to tackle insecurity but stressed that more decisive and strategic actions are urgently required. He called for a total re-engineering of the existing security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, improved logistics, and strengthened collaboration with non-state security actors to confront the menace more effectively.

He argued that combating the well-coordinated operations of bandits would require an even more coordinated and overwhelming response from security agencies, emphasizing the need for a “no retreat, no surrender” approach until criminal elements are neutralized.

Professor Sulaiman expressed concern that the latest attack carried out in broad daylight and within a church suggests that no place is currently safe. He described the development as a wake-up call for urgent and comprehensive security reforms in the state and across the country.

While commiserating with the people of Eruku, he prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, quick recovery for the injured, and the safe, divine release of those abducted.