Barely a week after 38 worshippers were abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State has witnessed another wave of terror. At least 11 residents, including children, a pregnant woman, and nursing mothers, were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.
According to local reports, the attackers, estimated at 20 to 30 armed men, stormed the agrarian settlement around 6pm, bringing along a large herd of cattle. They fired indiscriminately into homes as terrified residents fled for safety. Bullet holes were later observed in walls, windows, and doors, underscoring the intensity of the gunfire.
A community leader, speaking under strict anonymity, confirmed the abductions, noting that seven victims belong to the same family.
“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times. People are terrified. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We don’t even know what tomorrow holds,” he said.
The kidnapped include Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji Kande, five-year-old Kande, 10-year-old Hadiza, six-year-old Mariam, five-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant woman Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis, and Haja Na Allah, a nursing mother.
A highly placed security official on Tuesday confirms that operatives had begun combing the forest connecting Isapa, Eruku, and neighbouring villages.
“Yes, 11 people were abducted. Our men are in the area to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” he said. He noted that despite federal reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church abduction, the dense forest and multiple settlements complicate surveillance.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying details and would release an official statement later.
The fresh attack has heightened fear in Isapa, Eruku, and surrounding communities. Local vigilantes have intensified night patrols, and some religious centres have scaled back evening activities. This marks the third major assault on Ekiti LGA communities in less than a month, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of current security measures in the region.
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