Bandits attacked the Isapa community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday, abducting 11 residents, including a pregnant woman and two nursing mothers.
Witnesses described the gunmen, numbering over 20, moving through the community with a large herd of cattle while firing shots indiscriminately, creating panic among the inhabitants.
An elderly woman sustained injuries after being struck by a stray bullet during the attack. Sources within the community, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that seven of the abducted victims are from the same family, highlighting the devastating impact on households.
Those kidnapped have been identified as Talatu Kabiru (20), Magaji (6), Kande (5), Hadiza (10), Mariam (6), Saima (5), two housewives, Fatima Yusufu (pregnant), Sarah Sunday (22), Lami Fidelis (23, nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).
Eyewitnesses also noted extensive damage to property, with walls and doors riddled with bullet holes, and spent AK-47 shells scattered across the town after the attackers fled.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, raising concern over the safety and security of residents in the region.
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The attack follows a similar incident in the same LGA two weeks ago, when gunmen targeted the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, abducting 38 worshippers.
While those abducted in that earlier attack have been released, the recurrence of violent raids underscores the growing insecurity in the area.
Community leaders have urged security agencies to increase patrols and implement preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations, especially women and children, from future attacks.
They stressed the importance of intelligence-led operations and faster response times to curb the activities of armed groups that continue to exploit the region’s vulnerabilities.
The repeated attacks have raised alarm among residents and human rights organizations, calling for urgent federal intervention to address the rising incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violence in Kwara State.
News Express
