Again, Bandits Strike Isapa, Abduct Pregnant Woman, Children, Others

Bandits have again attacked Isapa, a community near Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting at least 11 residents in a Monday evening operation that lasted several hours.

According to residents, the attackers numbering between 20 and 30 invaded the community at about 6:00 p.m., firing sporadically as families ran for safety.

Those kidnapped include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children, some as young as five.

Witnesses said the gunmen moved with a herd of cattle and went from house to house, forcing victims out at gunpoint before marching them into the forest through bush paths linking neighbouring communities.

After the attackers fled, villagers found expended AK-47 shells and bullet holes scattered across affected homes.

An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the raid.

Local vigilante groups and security volunteers began combing the surrounding forest shortly after the incident, while anxious families awaited information on the abducted victims.

The State Police Commissioner, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the attack and said he was heading to Isapa to assess the situation and provide updates.

The latest abduction comes shortly after armed men raided a church in nearby Eruku, where dozens of worshippers were kidnapped, heightening concerns about rising insecurity across Kwara border communities.

Residents have appealed for increased security presence, warning that repeated attacks are crippling daily life and threatening the safety of rural settlements.

Authorities have not yet released further information on rescue efforts or contact with the abductors.