Gunmen Kill Kwara Informant in Apparent Reprisal After Church Kidnapping – Reporter
By Dayo Adesina, Staff Reporter
Eruku, Kwara State — Tension has escalated in Eruku community of Kwara State following the killing of a woman allegedly accused of providing intelligence to security operatives after a recent church kidnapping incident.
The attack is believed to be a reprisal by gunmen suspected to be linked to marauding Fulani herdsmen, who had earlier invaded the agrarian community on November 18, 2025. During that assault, the attackers stormed a church service, killing six worshippers and abducting at least 35 others, an incident that drew widespread condemnation and triggered intensified security operations in the area.
Security sources confirmed that subsequent efforts by operatives led to the arrest of some members of the kidnapping gang and the rescue of several abducted victims. However, the development appears to have provoked a violent backlash.
Residents and security officials said the assailants traced the source of the intelligence leak to Mrs. Fatimo Balogun, a member of the community. On November 30, at about 8:00 p.m., gunmen reportedly stormed her residence, shot her dead, and set the building ablaze before fleeing the scene.
Her 45-year-old son, Shakiru Balogun, narrowly escaped the attack after reportedly fleeing during the invasion. His whereabouts remain unknown, with fears that the gunmen may still be searching for him.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the incident has heightened fear within the community. “People are now afraid to cooperate with security agencies because of what happened to Mrs. Balogun,” the source said.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing, stating that investigations are ongoing. A senior police officer disclosed that additional security personnel have been deployed to Eruku and surrounding communities to forestall further attacks and apprehend those responsible.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates and community leaders have renewed calls on federal and state authorities to strengthen security presence in rural areas. They warned that continued cycles of attacks and reprisals could further destabilise already vulnerable communities.
As of the time of filing this report, no further arrests have been announced in connection with the killing. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of Mrs. Balogun’s son.