The community of Isapa, located near Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has been struck by a fresh wave of banditry, resulting in the abduction of at least 11 persons, including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers, and several young children. This harrowing incident, which occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, has significantly heightened tensions in the region, coming barely 24 to 48 hours after the release of victims from a previous abduction in the neighboring Eruku community.

Reports from sources like DailyTrust and the Ilorin-based National Pilot newspaper detail that an estimated 20 to 30 armed bandits stormed Isapa, firing sporadically as they advanced through the settlement. Eyewitnesses described the gunmen moving through various sections of the town, leaving behind bullet holes in walls and doors, forcing residents to flee in panic. One unfortunate elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the chaotic assault. Following the retreat of the attackers with their captives, expended AK-47 shells were recovered from multiple points within the community, serving as stark evidence of the violence. Some accounts also noted the bandits moving with a herd of cattle, suggesting a possible attempt to blend in or transport stolen livestock.

A community leader, speaking under strict anonymity due to safety concerns, confirmed the abduction of eleven individuals, noting that a significant portionseven of themare from the same household. Among the kidnapped are particularly vulnerable members of the community, including a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children. The victims have been specifically identified as Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; two housewives named Habibat and Fatima Yusufu; Sarah Sunday, 22, who is pregnant; Lami Fidelis, 23, a nursing mother; and another nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.

This recent attack in Isapa follows closely on the heels of another major security breach in Eruku. One week prior, armed men had invaded the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting more than 30 others during a church service. These captives were reportedly released on Sunday, just before the Isapa incident, following coordinated operations carried out by the military, police, and the State Security Service (SSS), a development that was confirmed by both President Bola Tinubu and the Kwara State Government.

The fresh abductions have intensified public anxiety in communities situated along the KwaraKogi border, an area already grappling with persistent incursions by armed groups. As of the time of reporting, police authorities in Kwara State had not provided any fresh updates on the ongoing rescue efforts for the Isapa victims. Repeated attempts to contact the state command went unanswered, and officers involved in the operation declined to comment, leaving the affected families and community leaders in a distressing wait for official information regarding the search and rescue status.