Barely a week after 38 worshippers were abducted at the Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Isegun, Eruku, a new wave of insecurity has struck Kwara State. At least eleven residents were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.
According to reports gathered by Okay News, the assailants, estimated to be between 20 and 30, stormed the agrarian settlement around 6:00 pm, driving a large herd of cattle and opening fire indiscriminately. Homes were raided, and bullet holes were later found in walls, windows, and doors, indicating the intensity of the attack.
A community leader, who spoke under strict anonymity, confirmed that seven of the abducted individuals belong to a single family. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children. He listed the abductees as Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji, Kande (5 years), 10-year-old Hadiza, six-year-old Mariam, five-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis, and nursing mother Haja Na Allah.
“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times. Seven members of the same family were taken. People are terrified. We do not even know what to expect next. People are now living in fear. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We do not know what tomorrow holds,” he said.
A senior security official confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that security operatives had begun combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku, and surrounding villages to rescue the victims. He added that despite federal reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church abduction, the vastness of the forest and the number of villages make comprehensive surveillance extremely difficult.
“Yes, eleven people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in the area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” the official said.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, Superintendent Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that the command was still verifying details and promised to provide an official update later.
The attack has reignited fear across Isapa, Eruku, and neighbouring communities. Vigilante groups have intensified night patrols, while some religious centres have reduced evening activities. The Isapa assault is the third major abduction in Ekiti Local Government Area in less than a month, following the kidnapping of 18 residents in Eruku three weeks ago and 38 worshippers at a church last week.
