At least 11 residents of Isapa, near Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted in a fresh bandit attack.
The new attack happened around 6:00 p.m. on Monday and was reportedly carried out by 20 to 30 bandits. They fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee for safety. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident.
The incident occurred barely 24 hours after victims abducted during a church service were released. A Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru was holding a thanksgiving service to celebrate the freedom of 18 worshippers kidnapped about a month ago when gunmen broke in and abducted 38 persons after gunning down three.
A community leader, speaking under strict anonymity, said, “Eleven people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children.”
Those abducted were identified as Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; a housewife, Habibat; another housewife, Fatima Yusufu; a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday, 22; a nursing mother, Lami Fidelis, 23; and another nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through sections of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors. Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered from several points in the community after the attackers retreated with their captives.
The situation has heightened tension across Isapa and surrounding settlements as security agencies and local vigilante groups intensify efforts to locate the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, saying, “Yes, there was an incident, but I cannot say much now. I am about to enter Isapa from Ilorin. I will update you when I get there.”
Nigeria is currently witnessing one of its worst security crises in history, leading to mass school closures, especially in the North.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
