11 persons kidnapped in fresh bandits attack on Kwara community
No fewer than 11 persons have reportedly been kidnapped in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara state
The attack comes barely a week after horrific armed bandits attack where 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted but later rescued.
According to report, the fresh attack occurred around 6pm on Monday when between 20 and 30 bandits stormed the agrarian settlement with a large herd of cattle, firing indiscriminately as residents fled for safety. Bullet holes were later found in walls, windows, and wooden doors, highlighting the intensity of the gunfire.
A community leader, who spoke under strict anonymity, confirmed that seven of the kidnapped victims belong to a single family. Among the abductees are a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children.
The list of abducted individuals includes Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji, 5-year-old Kande, 10-year-old Hadiza, six-year-old Mariam, 5-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant woman Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis, and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).
“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times. People are terrified. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush, and we don’t know what tomorrow holds,” the community leader said.
A highly placed security official confirmed the incident to PUNCH on Tuesday, saying operatives had already begun combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku, and surrounding villages.
“Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in the area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” the official said.
He added that, despite the presence of federal security reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church kidnapping, the vastness of the forest and multiple settlements make surveillance challenging.
“Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but the forest is vast. There are many villages, and it’s hard to be everywhere at the same time. We are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.
