At least 11 residents of Isapa, a community near Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted in a fresh assault by armed bandits. The attack occurred just 24 hours after the release of worshippers earlier kidnapped during a church service.
The gunmen, numbering between 20 and 30, invaded the community around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee. An elderly woman was reportedly struck by a stray bullet.
According to a community leader, who spoke anonymously, seven of the victims were taken from one household. Those abducted include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children. The victims were identified as Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; two housewives, Habibat and Fatima Yusufu; a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday, 22; and two nursing mothers, Lami Fidelis, 23, and Haja Na Allah.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through various parts of the community, leaving bullet holes in homes and scattering spent AK-47 shells. The attack has heightened fear across Isapa and neighbouring settlements as security agencies and vigilantes intensify search efforts.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, noting he was on his way to assess the situation. The attack adds to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, which has led to widespread school closures, especially in the northern region.
