Fresh Terror in Kwara: 11 Residents, Including Pregnant Woman and Children, Abducted in Isapa

Barely a week after 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and later released, another disturbing wave of violence has swept through Kwara State. At least 11 residents were kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred around 6pm, was carried out by an estimated 20 to 30 armed bandits who stormed the quiet agrarian community with a large herd of cattle. Witnesses said the gunmen fired sporadically as residents fled into surrounding bushes for safety. Several homes were riddled with bullet holes, leaving walls, windows and wooden doors damaged.

A community leader, who spoke under strict anonymity, confirmed that 11 people were taken away, seven of whom belong to one family. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children.

Those abducted were identified as Talatu Kabiru; six-year-old Magaji; Kande (5); Hadiza (10); Mariam (6); Saima (5); Habibat (housewife); Fatima Yusufu; 22-year-old pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday; Lami Fidelis; and Haja Na Allah, a nursing mother.

“This is the worst attack we have experienced in recent times. Seven members of the same family were taken. People are terrified and confused. Eleven people just vanished into the bush. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds,” the community leader lamented.

A senior security official, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said operatives had launched a search operation across the forest stretching through Isapa, Eruku and nearby villages. He noted that despite the deployment of federal security personnel after the Eruku church abduction, the vastness of the forest and the scattered settlements make monitoring extremely challenging.

“From what we gathered, 11 people were abducted. Our men are on the ground trying to verify the details and track those responsible,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying information and would release an official update soon.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the state government has issued a formal statement.

The latest attack has heightened tension in Isapa, Eruku and neighbouring communities, with fears growing that bandits may be attempting to establish a foothold in the area. Local vigilante groups have intensified night patrols, while several religious centres have suspended evening programmes.

The Isapa abduction marks the third major attack in Ekiti Local Government Area in less than a month. Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku and later rescued. Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted during a thanksgiving service at a church in the same community.