Barely a week after 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and later freed, another tragedy 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 incident occurred around 6pm when between 20 and 30 armed bandits invaded the quiet agrarian community, arriving with a large herd of cattle and firing shots indiscriminately. Residents fled in panic as the attackers moved from street to street, shooting into homes. Bullet holes were later found in walls, doors and windows, underscoring the intensity of the assault.

A community leader, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed that 11 people were taken away, including seven members of one family. Among the abducted victims are a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children. The abductees were identified as Talatu Kabiru; six-year-old Magaji; five-year-old Kande; 10-year-old Hadiza; six-year-old Mariam; five-year-old Saima; Habibat (a housewife); Fatima Yusufu; a 22-year-old pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday; Lami Fidelis; and Haja Na Allah, a nursing mother.

“This is the worst attack we have witnessed. People are terrified. Eleven people were taken, seven from one family. We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” the community leader lamented.

A senior security official confirmed the incident, noting that security operatives have begun combing the thick forest linking Isapa, Eruku and other communities. He explained that although federal reinforcements were still in the area following the recent church kidnapping, the vast forest terrain makes surveillance extremely challenging.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the police were still verifying the details and would provide updates in due course. As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the state government had issued an official statement.

The attack has heightened tension in Isapa, Eruku and surrounding communities, with residents fearing that bandits may be attempting to establish a foothold in the area. Local vigilantes have increased night patrols, while some religious centres have reduced evening activities. This latest incident marks the third major attack on Ekiti LGA communities in less than a month, following the kidnapping of 18 residents three weeks ago and the abduction of 38 worshippers last week during a thanksgiving service.