Panic and fear swept through the Isapa community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday evening after a group of armed bandits invaded the town, resulting in the abduction of 11 residents. The attack, which occurred around 6 pm, has further heightened the anxiety of residents who are already on edge following similar security breaches in the area in recent days, including an incident in the nearby Eruku town just a few days ago.
Community confirms abductions
Eyewitnesses told reporters that between 20 and 30 heavily armed attackers entered the community while moving with a large herd of cattle, creating a chaotic scene.
The gunmen reportedly fired indiscriminately, forcing terrified residents to flee into hiding. In the process, an elderly woman was struck by a stray bullet, which added to the rising panic and fears of escalating insecurity in the area. The attackers reportedly moved swiftly, overpowering anyone who attempted to resist.
After the attack, the community bore the visible signs of violence: walls pocked with bullet holes, doors damaged from forced entry, and spent ammunition shells scattered across several homes. Local leaders confirmed that 11 residents were abducted, including seven members from the same family, a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children.
Names of victims released
Authorities and community sources later identified the kidnapped residents as Talatu Kabiru, Magaji, Kande, Hadiza, Mariam, Saima, Habibat, Fatima Yusufu, Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis, and Haja Na Allah. Eyewitnesses said the attackers quickly overpowered the community and led the victims into the bush before any security personnel could respond. The speed and coordination of the abduction left residents feeling vulnerable and helpless.
Recent attacks raise concerns
The Monday incident comes in the wake of last week’s violent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, where three worshippers were killed, and several others, including the pastor, were abducted. Those victims were later released to the Kwara State Government on Sunday, but the latest attack in Isapa has left residents increasingly worried that these violent raids could continue unabated. Community leaders and residents are now calling for urgent government intervention and increased security presence in the border and rural areas to prevent further attacks and abductions.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity in parts of Kwara State and the wider northwest region, with rural communities particularly vulnerable to such armed raids. Local authorities are expected to step up patrols, but residents remain anxious, urging swift action to prevent similar incidents from recurring.