Kwara Insecurity: Worshippers Now Carry Guns to Church After Deadly Kidnapping Attack

Published by Naijajistreal96 

Fear in Kwara as Kidnappings Rise: Churches Turn Into Self-Defence Zones as Worshippers Begin Carrying Guns for Protection

Kwara State has been thrown into deep fear and confusion following the deadly attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun in Eruku community, where armed bandits invaded an evening service, killed worshippers, and abducted dozens including the pastor. The brazen attack, livestreamed during the service, has become one of the most terrifying incidents in the state’s recent history, leaving families shattered and communities in shock.

The attack has not only exposed the depth of insecurity spreading across Kwara, it has completely changed how residents worship, gather, travel, and live. For many, the church—once a place of refuge—has now become a symbol of vulnerability.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, fear spread like wildfire. Families cried over loved ones taken into the forest by heavily armed kidnappers. Reports stated that up to 38 worshippers were abducted, and the attackers allegedly demanded ransoms as high as ₦100 million per person. These figures alone show the level of brutality communities are now facing.

But beyond the tragedy and the ongoing search for those abducted, something dramatic has happened across Kwara State: as a direct result of the attack, many residents claim that both women and men in several affected communities have now started carrying guns and other weapons while in church, using them to guard and protect themselves during worship. According to them, they cannot sit inside the house of God unprotected while criminals walk freely with sophisticated weapons.

This development, though unofficial and not recognised by security authorities, is becoming a new trend. Locals say they have been pushed into a corner where they feel they must choose between obeying the law and protecting their lives. For them, self-defence has become a survival strategy.

The trend reflects a growing belief that if bandits can invade a church during prayer, then nowhere is safe—not the home, not the market, and not even the sanctuary. Residents describe the feeling as “living under constant threat,” and the Eruku attack was the final trigger that pushed some into taking weapons along to church.

Women, who were once known for bringing only Bibles, scarves, and handbags to services, now allegedly hide small weapons in their bags for protection. Men, on the other hand, sit at strategic points, monitoring movement and ready to defend the congregation if anything happens again. Some local vigilantes have even stationed themselves around church entrances during services.

These actions are rooted in a deeper fear that the security system has failed the people. Over the last 10 months, Kwara recorded about 207 killings and 177 abductions. Many communities have been attacked repeatedly, and the attackers are believed to operate from forest hideouts and border routes. Even though the police have made some arrests and recovered weapons, the rate of attacks has not reduced enough to restore community confidence.

The response from residents is an emotional one. People are tired of crying, tired of begging for help, tired of attending burials, and tired of watching their loved ones vanish into the bush. They are tired of hearing “we are on top of the situation” while communities are left unprotected. The fear has grown so strong that self-defence now feels like the only practical option.

Inside churches, the atmosphere has changed completely. Worshippers no longer sit fully relaxed. Many remain alert, scanning their surroundings, listening for suspicious sounds, and keeping their phones ready to call for help. Some pastors have quietly acknowledged the trend but say they understand why their members feel compelled to protect themselves.

The service held at CAC Eruku after the attack was emotional. Empty seats represented the members who were still missing. Worshippers cried openly during worship. Some reported feeling unsafe even while praying. The trauma remains, and it may take years before the community fully recovers.

Security agencies are working, but residents feel their efforts are not enough. The police denied rumours that the kidnappers had been arrested after a misleading video circulated online. Schools in some affected areas were shut down as a precaution. Businesses now close early, and evening gatherings have reduced drastically.

In many rural communities, youth groups have formed volunteer patrol teams. The aim is not to challenge the police but to fill the gaps left by slow response times and limited manpower. Community self-policing has become a necessity.

The government is under immense pressure to act. Residents want increased security presence, better surveillance of forests, community policing, and consistent patrols. They also want churches, mosques, schools, farms, and markets to be secured properly.

But amidst the fear, Kwara people have shown resilience. They pray together, support families of victims, contribute financially for ransom negotiation when necessary, and stand by one another during crises. Their unity is strong—but their patience is weak. They are calling loudly for action.

The new practice of carrying weapons to church reflects a society at breaking point. While some argue that it increases the risk of accidental violence, those participating insist that without protection, they feel like easy targets. They say, “If the government cannot defend us, we must defend ourselves.”

For now, Kwara continues to battle its worst wave of insecurity in years. The Eruku church attack has scarred the state deeply and changed how communities think about safety. Until those abducted are released and security is restored, fear will remain. And as long as fear remains, worshippers carrying guns in church—men and women alike—will continue to be a new reality in some communities across Kwara State.