A fresh wave of violence has hit Isapa, a settlement near Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where at least 11 residents were seized by bandits.
The latest incident occurred less than a day after worshippers abducted from a church service regained their freedom.
During a thanksgiving service at a Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru to mark the release of 18 members kidnapped roughly a month earlier, gunmen stormed the gathering, killing three people and whisking away 38 others.
Monday’s attack on Isapa, which took place around 6:00 p.m., was reportedly carried out by a group of between 20 and 30 armed men.
As the attackers approached, they were said to have shot indiscriminately, sending residents scrambling for safety. An elderly woman was also said to have been struck by a stray bullet.
A community leader, who asked not to be named for security reasons, confirmed the development. “Eleven people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children,” he said.
The abducted persons were listed 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 reported that the intruders moved through parts of the community, leaving bullet marks on homes and doors. Spent AK-47 shells were found at various locations after the gunmen withdrew with their captives.
The attack has heightened fear across Isapa and neighbouring communities as security operatives and local vigilantes intensify search efforts to track the kidnappers and rescue the hostages.
Kwara State 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.”
(DAILY TRUST)
