Gunmen have attacked the Isapa community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, kidnapping a pregnant woman, 10 children, two nursing mothers, and several others.
It was gathered that the armed bandits invaded the community, advancing with a large herd of cattle and firing sporadically.
A stray bullet reportedly struck an elderly woman during the assault.
A community leader who confirmed the incident told National Pilot that 11 people were abducted, including seven members of the same family.
The abducted individuals have been identified as: Talatu Kabiru, Magaji, Kande, Hadiza, Mariam, Saima, Habibat (a housewife), Fatima Yusufu (a housewife), Sarah Sunday (pregnant woman), Lami Fidelis (a nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah.
The attackers reportedly escaped through bush paths connecting Eruku to neighbouring communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion.
The incident happened barely two weeks after gunmen struck the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), kidnapping 38 members, while others reportedly died during the assault.
A competent security source confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying that operatives had already begun combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and other surrounding villages.
“Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in that area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” he said.
He added that despite the presence of federal security reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church kidnapping, the vastness of the forest and the presence of multiple settlements make surveillance difficult.
“Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but you know that forest is vast. There are many villages around there, and it’s hard to be everywhere at the same time. But we are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying details and would provide an update later.
No official statement has been issued by the police or the state government.
