At least 11 residents of Isapa, a community near Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted in a fresh attack by bandits, barely 24 hours after previous kidnapping victims were released.
The latest assault occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Monday at a Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru. The church had been holding a thanksgiving service to celebrate the freedom of 18 worshippers who were kidnapped about a month ago. Gunmen reportedly stormed the service, abducting 38 people and gunning down three.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, estimated at 20 to 30 in number, fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the chaos.
A community leader, speaking under strict anonymity, confirmed, “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 have been 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.
Residents said the gunmen moved through different sections of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors. Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered at several points after the attackers retreated with their captives.
The attack has heightened tension across Isapa and neighboring settlements, with security agencies and local vigilante groups intensifying efforts to locate the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo confirmed the incident to newsmen , 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 grappling with one of the worst security crises in its history, leading to the mass closure of schools, particularly in the North.
