Kwara State – Advent Cable Network Nigeria

Kwara Church Attack: 33 Suspects Arrested, Arms Recovered

ACNN NEWS — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:00:25 +0000

The Authorities have arrested 33 suspects in connection with the November 20, 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, in what police described as a major breakthrough.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 65, were apprehended across several communities, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode, following coordinated security operations.

Police said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to track down individuals linked to the attack and dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.

Among those arrested are Abubakar Usman, Ibrahim Sa’idu, Adamu Mohammad, and Abdullahi Abubakar, alongside other suspects.

During the operations, security operatives recovered a large cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines, an anti-aircraft launcher, an anti-aircraft rifle, and 32 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Other items recovered include communication devices such as walkie-talkies and a camouflage hydration backpack.

Police added that some suspects fled during the raids, abandoning additional weapons, including an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles.

The suspects are part of a group of 50 individuals recently paraded by the police as part of a wider crackdown on criminal activities across the country.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and assured that all those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The attack on the church in Eruku had raised serious security concerns among residents, with calls for stronger protection and swift justice.

Police say the latest arrests represent progress in addressing those concerns, while efforts to tackle broader security challenges continue.

Oyun Missionary Diocese Inaugurated As The 168th Diocese In The Church Of Nigeria

ACNN NEWS — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:17:48 +0000

Wednesday, 26th November 2025 remains a historic day in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, as the Primate of all Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba inaugurated the Missionary Diocese of Oyun in Kwara at the St. Matthias’ Pro-Cathedral Church, Erin-Ile, in Kwara State.

According to the statement by the CoN Communications officer, the service which started by 3:30pm featured a procession by the choir, lay readers, priests, wardens, legal officers, Bishops and Archbishops, Registrar and General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Dean and the Primate.

The only lesson for this service was taken from the book of Matthew 16:13-28.

The Most Rev’d Edmund Akanya, Bishop of Kebbi Diocese, delivering the sermon at the inauguration, stated that “God is in search of men who will be shepherds.”

He centered his message on the biblical metaphor of leadership as shepherding, emphasizing on the dedication required of spiritual leaders highlighting the protective nature of a shepherd, drawing an example from the Fulani people’s deep value for their livestock, stating that they prioritize the well-being of their animals even over their children in certain circumstances.

Archbishop Akanya stressed that true spiritual leadership must be rooted in Christ, who is the “gate” for the sheep. He referenced Jesus’ words: “He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep,” implying that any leader who does not pass through Christ is a “thief and a robber.”

He commended the newly installed bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Solomon Adewunmi for having “passed that gate,” signifying his commitment to Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

The sermon strongly urged the congregation to recognize and follow the authority of their new leader, comparing them to sheep who hear and follow their shepherd’s voice.

After the message, the representatives of the various archdeaconries being carved out as a diocese namely, Erin-Ile, Erin-Ile West and Ijagbo Archdeaconries, presented their petition to create the diocese before the Primate who accepted the petition and called for the deeds (relinquishment and acceptance) to be read and executed.

The Primate thereafter inaugurated the Missionary Diocese of Oyun with a great applause from the congregation and lead the prayers for the new diocese and the bishop.

The service was conducted by The Rt Rev’d Akintunde Popoola, the Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese and was attended by over 30 bishops and Archbishops of the Church, clergymen from various dioceses, Church of Nigeria officials among other dignitaries.

Oyun Missionary Diocese was part of the 15 newly created dioceses in the Church of Nigeria at its last Standing committee meeting held at Ekiti Diocese in September.

The enthronement Rt. Rev’d Dr. Solomon Adewunmi, the newly appointed bishop commenced immediately after the inaugural service.

38 Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers Have Regained Freedom — Governor AbdulRazaq

ACNN NEWS — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:18:57 +0000

The Kwara State Government has announced the release of the 38 worshippers who were abducted by bandits from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the worshippers were released on Sunday.

The statement, however, did not disclose how the abductees regained their freedom.

“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State,” it partly read.

The state government attributed the rescue of the victims to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who, it said, “personally led the efforts” to free the abductees.

“The governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his direct initiative that made this happen.

“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.

“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our people and Nigerians as a whole,” the statement disclosed.

The governor also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police for their efforts.

“The governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.

Gunmen had last Tuesday launched an attack at the parish, abducting 38 worshippers and killing three people during a church service.

Eyewitnesses in the community told Channels Television that the attackers stormed the area “suddenly and heavily armed,” forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

“They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” one resident said.

The bandits had demanded ₦3 billion for the release of the victims, but later reduced the ransom to ₦760 million.

Irked by the attack, youths in the community staged a protest.

The protesters, who blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway at the entrance of the town, causing heavy traffic disruption, alleged that last Tuesday’s attack, which lasted close to an hour, occurred without any response from security operatives stationed in the community.

In response to the attack and others, President Tinubu postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg in South Africa and Luanda, Angola, as he awaited further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on the church worshippers.

He also directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers.

The church held its first service on Sunday, where it clarified the actual number of victims abducted.

The Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said that despite fear and trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as a show of faith and resilience.
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‎“As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us.

“We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church,” he added.
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In his sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the incident as a test of faith and told the congregation that God promised that the abducted worshippers would return alive, likening their situation to the biblical trials of the Israelites.

Bandits Demand N100 million For Each Abducted Person In Kwara Church Attack

ACNN NEWS — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:46:49 +0000

Bandits who abducted worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have demanded ₦100 million as ransom for each of the abductees.

At least 30 people were reportedly taken away by the bandits who attacked the church in Eruku on Tuesday.

Three people were also said to have been killed during the attack while the worshippers were holding a service.

‎A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were among the kidnapped victims said the bandits had started contacting family members.

‎Olukotun, who said he was in the church with five of his family members when the incident occurred, said he and one of his wards escaped the attack at about 6:06 p.m. through the church’s window.

‎“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.

“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding ₦100 million for each person, but as regards my own people, I have not received any call concerning them, so I am still waiting,” he added.

The pastor of the church attacked by bandits, Abiodun Bamidele, had said that the attackers abducted about 35 people.

“There was an incident when the bandits came, and they kidnapped almost 30 to 35 members of the church,” the clergyman said.

“We were doing a Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped here three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued,” the preacher added.

But irked by the incident, youths of the Eruku community staged a protest, blocking the Ilorin–Kabba highway at the entrance of the town and causing heavy traffic disruption.

‎The youths alleged that the attack, which lasted close to an hour, occurred without any response from security operatives stationed in the community.

‎A youth leader, Peter Adesiyan, also criticised the police, saying that despite the community’s support in building facilities for the division, officers did not act when residents needed them most.

‎The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, requested that a more urgent security deployment to the council be made to immediately curtail the new wave of attacks in the area.

‎The Eruku attack is part of a recent wave of security incidents affecting border communities in Kwara State.

Outrage Over Students Flogged In Arabic School As Kwara Govt Opens Probe

ACNN NEWS — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:12:27 +0000

Many Nigerians have reacted with shock over a viral video showing students being inhumanely flogged at an Arabic school in Kwara State.

The students apparently had attended a birthday party where they also took alcohol.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has announced a probe into the incident after its delegation visited the school.

The government also directed the suspension of the school head, who admitted to directing the punishment.

All the students involved in the beating have been taken to a public hospital, the government said.

“The government’s team carefully listened to the authorities of the Arabic school, the father of the sole girl in the video, and four other students involved in the unsavoury development,” a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, said.

“Regardless of the explanations of the authorities on the development, the self-confessed consent of the parents and regret of the affected students, the government seriously frowns at the harsh beating seen in the footage.

“Consequently, the government has directed the setting up of an investigative committee, comprising Muslim scholars, leaders and government officials, to look into the issue while the head of the Arabic school, who admitted to directing the punishment, has been asked to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“The government has also taken the affected students to a public hospital for proper medical examination and treatment. This is to ensure that none of them suffers any physical or psychological damage.

“The government appeals for calm while the committee does it works and submits a report for further action.

“The government commends the Ganmo Muslim community for the support given to the team.”

ChannelsTV

‘The Divine Vision For Nigeria May Be Delayed, Nevertheless, It Will Come To Pass’- Bishop Adekola

ACNN ADMIN — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:14:06 +0000

The Rt. Rev Emmanuel Adekola, Anglican Bishop of Igbomina, has spoken to all levels of government to put measures in place towards eliminating insecurity in the country. He said this at the first Session of the Eighth Synod of the Diocese of Igbomina at Omupo, Kwara State, saying government is faced with the responsibility of protecting citizens’ lives and property. So, they should do their job.

Speaking on the synod’s theme, tagged, “The New Vision” taken from Habakkuk 2:2, Adekola drew a parallel between the world of Habakkuk and what is happening now in Nigeria, where all hell has been let loose on the citizenry. “Nigeria and Nigerians are suffering in the hands of all kinds of marauders. Violence of unimaginable proportion is being unleashed on Nigeria and its people. Life has become so cheap. Human blood has lesser value than coconut water,” he said.

He did not, however, limit the blame to killer-herders, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and ritualists, among other, saying every Nigerian should take responsibility for the mess the country is in.

He said: “If the carnage that we experience now were to take place in the Old Testament times, people would have resorted to God in dust and ashes…”

The Bishop also called on Nigerians to play their part by reporting suspicious movement to security operatives, as well as pay their taxes regularly.

The cleric, while arguing that the nation would not find the right answers, until it starts asking the right questions, urged Christians to continue to win souls for Jesus Christ in order to reduce number of people that would go to hell. He explained that worldly achievement is not gateway to Paradise, but anyone who wins souls for Jesus Christ would be crowned with glory, as well as inherit God’s Kingdom.

Borrowing a leaf from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Diocese of Igbomina domesticated the national Church’s new vision and launched it at the Synod.

The Bishop expressed optimism that despite what is being experienced today, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He, therefore, admonished Nigerians never to allow circumstances and prevailing situations steal their joy. He said though the divine vision for Nigeria may be delayed, it will surely come to pass and that Nigerians should wait for the fulfilment of God’s vision by exercising practical faith.

“Though, the Divine vision for Nigeria may be delayed, nevertheless, it will come to pass,” he said.

(The Rev Canon Falusi Tope Paul is the Communication Officer, Diocese of Igbomina)

Tragic Sallah: 10 Reported Dead In Kwara Auto Crash

ACNN ADMIN — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:41:26 +0000

Ten persons have reportedly died in a lone auto crash involving an 18-seater commercial Hiace bus, on Tuesday, Sallah day in Kwara State.

Tribune Online gathered that the accident occurred at a location called Iyemoja along the Olooru-Okolowo area of the Ilorin-Jebba expressway in the Moro local government area of Kwara state.

The crash, which was reportedly caused by a speed violation, occurred at about 4:00 pm.

The state sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Jonathan Owoade, who confirmed the incident, said that other victims of the crash suffered varying degrees of fracture injuries.

He gave the registration number of the commercial vehicle as LND 742XK, saying that the rescue team took the injured people to Ayo hospital, Okolowo and the state General Hospital, Ilorin for medical attention.

The FRSC boss also said that the corpses had been deposited at the morgue of General Hospital, Ilorin, commending the officers of the Nigeria Police for assistance rendered during the incident.

He also cautioned drivers against overspeeding, saying that they should obey all traffic regulations and be mindful of other road users.

Source: Nigerian Tribune

Kwara Gov Says There Is No Alternative To Peace, In Eid Message

ACNN ADMIN — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:20:31 +0000

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, on Tuesday, reiterated his message of peace and tolerance among Nigerians, hours after he led his state to Eid gatherings in Ilorin, the state capital.

Speaking with journalists before paying Eid homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the governor said development occurs only in an atmosphere of peace, mutual tolerance and understanding.

“It is a message of peace. There is no alternative to peace. This is a state of harmony and we should let it remain like that.

“Our founding fathers worked so hard to entrench peace in the state and we will continue to promote peace and unity in our dear state.

“It is a new frontier. Security-wise, we have seen improvements across the country. We are certain that things will continue to get better.”

Governor Abdulrazaq commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the fight against insecurity in different parts of the country, saying the current efforts have led to glaring improvements and checkmated agents of insecurity in Nigeria.

“We thank the President for deploying all the arsenals he could. We appreciate all institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers and all our people for putting all hands on deck to make sure that we combat the alarming rate of insecurity,” he added.

The governor also urged Kwarans to use the occasion of Sallah to look inward and preach peace and unity, and support one another as brothers.

Source: Nigerian Tribune

Kwara Billionaire’s 28-Year-Old Grandson Dies, Residents Suspect Suicide

ACNN ADMIN — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:35:43 +0000

The grandson of the multi-billionaire, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Subomi Olobayo, is dead.

Sources told The PUNCH on Thursday that Subomi, 28, the first son of Prince John and Lola Olobayo, one of the daughters of the famous businessman, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, allegedly died on Tuesday night at his parents’ home, GRA, Ilorin.

Though the report on the death was sketchy, it was gathered that the young man allegedly committed suicide.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara State Command, Ajayi Okasanmi Ajayi, when contacted, said that the death of the man had yet to be reported to the police.

However, a family source, who did not want his name in print, confirmed the death to our correspondent on the phone, but did not offer explanation on how it occurred.

It was gathered that the body of Subomi was reportedly discovered around 5pm at the backyard of their residence, while he was said to have left the house around 11am.

Sources also revealed that Subomi had been depressed for some time.

“His mother travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, for a function on Tuesday. Subomi became suddenly moody and withdrawn sometime ago, but he had a particular girlfriend that usually changed his mood for better anytime she came around,” another source said.

While the sudden death of the young man was shrouded in mystery, many wondered the kind of suicide the boy allegedly committed using a bed sheet with his feet reportedly on the ground.

Concerned members of the family were reportedly said to be asking for an investigation to unravel what would have pushed the promising young man to commit suicide as the parents were known to be very successful in their various businesses and reportedly have a close-knit family.

It was however gathered that the mother, Princess Omolola Olobayo, had been taken out of the resident while only the father and some relatives were attending to visitors.

It was learnt that family members, who were expected in Ilorin today (Friday), would decide the date for the burial of the deceased.

Source: Punch

Kwara State Youths Stop’s Herdsmen Migration To Community

ACNN ADMIN — Fri, 28 May 2021 09:12:28 +0000

A group of angry youths in Ojoku and Offa communities in the Oyun and Offa Local Government Areas of Kwara State on Thursday stopped the entry of herdsmen who were migrating from a neighbouring South-West state into their towns.

From the information gathered, the herdsmen with thousands of cows were sighted by the youths, who mobilised and stopped them from entering the area.

It was said that the herdsmen were migrating from Iseyin in Oyo State to Lokoja in Kogi State when they were accosted.

Similarly, another group of herdsmen who said that they were passing through Ajase-Ipo en route Lokoja in Kogi State were also escorted out of Offa by security agent to prevent attack on them.

Babawale Afolabi, who is the Public Relations officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kwara State Command,said the leader of the herders, who identified himself as Mohamadu, said they were migrating to Lokoja to join their families.

He said that efforts of men and officers of the NSCDC saved the breakdown of law and order in the two communities earlier in the day.

In a statement by Mr Afolabi he said that, “The NSCDC personnel (arms squad) from Offa accosted them at Igbawere (Offa Local Government Area) and interacted with the Bororo leader, Alhaji Muhammodu, who informed the personnel that they are heading to Lokoja via Ajase-lpo.