BREAKING: Bandits Strike Kwara Again, Kidnap Pregnant Woman, Children, and Several Others

At least eleven residents of Isapa, a community near Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted.

The attack occurred less than 24 hours after victims kidnapped during a church service were released.

A thanksgiving service was being held at a Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru to celebrate the freedom of 18 worshippers kidnapped about a month earlier when gunmen stormed the church, killing three people and abducting 38 others.

The latest attack, which took place around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, was reportedly carried out by an estimated 20 to 30 bandits.

The attackers fired sporadically as they advanced, causing residents to flee in panic.

An elderly woman was said to have been struck by a stray bullet during the incident.

A community leader, who confirmed the development under strict anonymity, said, “Eleven people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household.

“The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children,” he added.

Those abducted were identified as: Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; a housewife, Habibat; another housewife, Fatima Yusufu; a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday, 22; a nursing mother, Lami Fidelis, 23; and another nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen moved through different parts of the community, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered from various spots in the area after the attackers withdrew with their captives.

It was gathered that the incident has heightened tension across Isapa and neighbouring settlements, as security agencies and local vigilante groups intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, saying, “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.”

Nigeria is currently facing one of its worst security crises in history, resulting in the mass closure of schools, especially in the northern region.