Tension has once again gripped Isapa, a community near Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, after gunmen reportedly abducted at least 11 residents on Monday evening.
The attack came less than 24 hours after the release of worshippers earlier kidnapped during a church service in neighbouring Eruku.
Last month, 18 members of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku were abducted during a programme. They regained freedom over the weekend, and the church was still celebrating their return when armed men stormed another service and whisked away 38 people after killing three.
But at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday, the joy of residents was cut short again as an estimated 20 to 30 bandits descended on Isapa, shooting sporadically as they moved through the community. Residents fled in different directions, many abandoning their homes in panic.
An elderly woman was reportedly struck by a stray bullet during the chaos.
A community leader, who spoke under strict anonymity, confirmed that 11 people were taken, with seven abducted from the same household.
“The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children,” he said.
Those kidnapped were identified as:
Talatu Kabiru, 20
Magaji, 6
Kande, 5
Hadiza, 10
Mariam, 6
Saima, 5
Habibat, a housewife
Fatima Yusufu, a housewife
Sarah Sunday, 22 (pregnant)
Lami Fidelis, 23 (nursing mother)
Haja Na Allah, also a nursing mother
Eyewitnesses recounted how the gunmen moved from street to street, firing at buildings and leaving bullet holes in walls and doors. Spent AK-47 shells were later recovered from multiple spots after the attackers retreated with their captives.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the atack;
“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,” he said.
The latest abduction adds to what many Nigerians have described as one of the most frightening waves of insecurity in the country’s recent history. A situation that has forced the closure of several schools, especially across northern states.
(With additional information from Dailytrust Newspapers)
