Gunmen have again hit Isapa community close to Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, kidnapping 11 locals.
Those abducted were identified as Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; a housewife, Habibat; another housewife, Fatima Yusufu; a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday, 22; a nursing mother, Lami Fidelis, 23; and another nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.
An anonymous community leader said “eleven people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household.
“The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children”, he said.
About 20 to 30 gunmen who reported carried out the attack, shot sporadically as they advanced, forcing locals to flee for safety.
A stray bullet reportedly hit an old woman during the attack.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through different paths into the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.
Spent AK-47 shells were later seen from several points in the community after the attackers went away with their captives.
It was gathered that the situation has heightened tension across Isapa and surrounding settlements as security agencies and local vigilante groups intensify efforts to locate the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said “yes, there was an incident, but I cannot say much now. I am about to enter Isapa from Ilorin. I will update you when I get there.”
The latest attack happened on Monday around 6 pm, barely a day after victims of a church service attack were released.
A Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru was holding a thanksgiving service to celebrate the freedom of 18 worshippers kidnapped about a month ago when gunmen broke in and abducted 38 persons after gunning down three.
