Pregnant Woman, Children Kidnapped in Kwara
By Wellington Jopelo
A fresh attack has shaken Kwara State just days after 38 worshippers were freed in Eruku. This time, at least 11 people were kidnapped in Isapa, a nearby community in Ekiti Local Government Area. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children, with seven taken from one family.
According to reports from the community, the attack began around 6pm when between 20 and 30 armed men entered the town with a herd of cattle and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. Bullet marks were later found on walls, windows and doors across the area.
Witnesses said the attackers moved from street to street, shooting into homes as people hid. A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as deeply frightening, saying, “Seven members of the same family were taken. People don’t know what will happen next.”
The list of those abducted includes Talatu Kabiru; children aged 5, 6 and 10; two nursing mothers; and a 22-year-old pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday. Several of the victims are from the same household.
Security personnel confirmed the kidnapping and said search operations were underway across the forest connecting Isapa, Eruku and nearby villages. One officer explained that the vast landscape and scattered settlements make surveillance difficult, but teams are actively combing the area.
Following the attack, panic has spread across Isapa and surrounding communities, with many residents worried that the attackers may be trying to establish a presence in the area. Local vigilantes have increased night patrols, and some worship centres have scaled back evening gatherings.
The Isapa incident marks the third major attack in Ekiti LGA in less than a month, coming after the abductions of 18 residents and, most recently, 38 worshippers in Eruku.
More updates as the story progresses.