Tension has returned to Isapa, a community near Eruku in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, after armed men reportedly abducted at least 11 residents on Monday evening.
The incident occurred barely 24 hours after worshippers earlier kidnapped during a church service in neighbouring Eruku were freed.
Residents said the attackers, estimated at between 20 and 30, stormed the community at about 6 p.m., shooting sporadically as they moved from street to street. Panic-stricken families fled in different directions, with many abandoning their homes in the chaos.
An elderly woman was said to have been hit by a stray bullet during the assault.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that 11 people were taken, including seven abducted from the same household. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children.
Those kidnapped were identified as:
• Talatu Kabiru, 20
• Magaji, 6
• Kande, 5
• Hadiza, 10
• Mariam, 6
• Saima, 5
• Habibat, a housewife
• Fatima Yusufu, a housewife
• Sarah Sunday, 22 (pregnant)
• Lami Fidelis, 23 (nursing mother)
• Haja Na Allah (nursing mother)
Residents reported that the gunmen fired at buildings, leaving multiple bullet holes in walls and doors. Spent AK-47 cartridges were later recovered after the attackers withdrew with their captives.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, saying he was on his way to Isapa and would provide further details after assessment.
© 2024 TheReportersNg - reporting factual stories by TunnelDigita.
© 2024 TheReportersNg - reporting factual stories by TunnelDigita.