BREAKING: Bandits Strike Again in Kwara, Abduct Pregnant Woman, Children, Others

• Barely a week after 38 church worshippers were abducted in Eruku, another attack has hit Kwara State as gunmen reportedly kidnapped 11 residents in Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area.

Barely one week after 38 worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and later released, another wave of terror has struck Kwara State. At least 11 residents were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.

The latest attack occurred around 6pm, when about 20 to 30 armed men invaded the quiet agrarian community with a herd of cattle, shooting into the air as residents fled for safety. Witnesses said the attackers moved through multiple parts of the town, firing into homes. Bullet holes were later found in walls, windows and wooden doors.

A community leader, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed that 11 persons were taken, including a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children. According to him, seven of the abductees belonged to one family.

He listed the victims as Talatu Kabiru, Magaji (6 years), Kande (5 years), Hadiza (10 years), Mariam (6 years), Saima (5 years), Habibat, Fatima Yusufu, Sarah Sunday (a 22-year-old pregnant woman), Lami Fidelis, and Haja Na Allah (a nursing mother).

The community leader said:
“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times. Seven members of the same family were taken. People are terrified. We don’t even know what to expect next. People are now living in fear. This is too much. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We don’t know what tomorrow holds.”

A senior security official confirmed the attack, saying operatives were already combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and neighbouring settlements.

According to him:
“Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in that area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible.”

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He added that despite federal reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church kidnapping, the vast forest makes full surveillance difficult.
“Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but you know that forest is vast. There are many villages around there, and it’s hard to be everywhere at the same time. But we are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying details and would issue an update.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by the police or the state government.

The attack has heightened fear in Isapa, Eruku and surrounding communities. Local vigilantes have increased night patrols, while some religious centres have suspended evening programmes.

The Isapa incident is the third major attack in Ekiti LGA within a month. Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku but later rescued. Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted during a church thanksgiving service and were later released.