Gunmen kill Kwara informant in retaliation after church kidnapping in Eruku
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By Dayo Adesina
Violence escalated in the Eruku community of Kwara State in late November 2025 when gunmen suspected to be linked to marauding Fulani herdsmen carried out a deadly reprisal attack, killing a woman accused of leaking information to security operatives.
The assailants had earlier thrown the agrarian community into turmoil on 18 November 2025 when they stormed a church during a service, killed 6 people and abducted no fewer than 35 worshippers.
The brazen attack drew widespread condemnation and prompted intensified security operations across the area.
Security sources confirmed that operatives later tracked and apprehended some members of the kidnapping gang, leading to the release of several captives.
The breakthrough, however, was followed by a brutal retaliation.
According to residents and security officials, the kidnappers traced the leak of intelligence to Mrs Fatimo Balogun, a member of the community.
On November 30, 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., the gunmen reportedly stormed her residence, shot her dead and set the house ablaze before fleeing.
Her 45-year-old son, Shakiru Balogun, narrowly escaped the attack. Community sources said he managed to flee as the assailants invaded the premises.
His current whereabouts remain unknown, as the gunmen are believed to be actively searching for him.
“This community is living in fear,” a resident who requested anonymity told this news platform”, adding “People are now afraid to cooperate with security agencies because of what happened to Mrs Balogun.”
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.
A senior officer disclosed that additional security personnel had been deployed to Eruku and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and to apprehend those responsible.
Human rights advocates and community leaders have renewed calls on both federal and state authorities to strengthen security in rural communities, warning that continued attacks and reprisals could further destabilise vulnerable areas.
As of the time of filing this report, no additional arrests had been announced in connection with the reprisal killing, while efforts to ensure the safety of Mrs Balogun’s son were said to be underway.
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