Barely one week after 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were seized and later freed, Kwara State has suffered another tragedy, as at least 11 residents were reportedly taken on Monday evening in Isapa, a nearby settlement in Ekiti Local Government Area.
Media reports indicate that the latest incident unfolded around 6pm when between 20 and 30 armed bandits invaded the quiet farming community with a large herd of cattle, firing repeatedly as villagers ran to escape.
According to media reports, the attackers moved across different sections of the town, shooting into residential buildings.
Bullet marks were seen on walls, windows and wooden doors, showing the scale of the attack.
A community leader, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed that 11 individuals were taken, with seven of them belonging to one household.
According to him, the abductees include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children.
He named the victims as Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji, Kande (5 years), 10-year-old Hadiza and Mariam, who is also 6 years old.
Others listed are 5-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant woman identified as Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).
“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,” he said.
A senior security source confirmed the abduction on Tuesday, noting that operatives had begun searching the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and other neighbouring villages.
“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,” he said.
He stated that despite federal security reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church incident, the vast forest area and scattered settlements make coverage challenging.
“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 confirming the facts and would release details later.
As of the time this report was filed, neither the police nor the state government had released an official position.
The incident has triggered renewed fear in Isapa, Eruku and adjoining areas, with many residents worried that bandits may be attempting to build a foothold in the region.
Local vigilante groups have stepped up patrols, while some religious centres have reduced evening programmes.
The Isapa incident marks the third major assault on Ekiti LGA communities in under a month.
Three weeks ago, 18 residents were abducted in Eruku but later rescued.
Last week, 38 worshippers were taken from a church in Eruku during a thanksgiving service and were also released.
