The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming that the bandits who attacked worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, have been arrested.
The two-minute clip, shared widely on WhatsApp and Facebook, alleged that security operatives captured the attackers less than two days after the incident, which left several worshippers abducted.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the video is completely false and should be ignored.
According to her, no arrest has been made yet in connection with the attack, though security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the victims.
She stated, “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a video circulating online claiming that the bandits who attacked church worshippers in Eruku have been arrested. This information is false. No arrest has been made so far.”
Ejire-Adeyemi warned that spreading unverified news during emergencies can worsen panic and disrupt rescue operations. She urged the public to stop sharing misleading videos or claims that could misinform the community.
Residents of Eruku and neighbouring villages remain tense following the Tuesday night attack, one of many security breaches affecting border communities between Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states in recent months. Local leaders say rising kidnappings and bandit activities have pushed many farmers away from their farmlands.
A resident of Eruku, who pleaded anonymity for safety reasons, said the false viral video has only increased fear in the area. “People are still scared. The attack was sudden, and now this fake video is making people more anxious. We just want the government to act quickly,” the resident said.
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Security analysts also note that the spread of misleading videos during crises poses a serious challenge. Digital security expert Taiwo Adeshina said misinformation can derail important operations, stressing the need for the public to verify news from official sources.
The police spokesperson urged residents to rely strictly on verified updates from the command, assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers and restore calm to the community.
