No fewer than 11 residents of Isapa, a community close to Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted after armed bandits invaded the community.
The attack happened barely 24 hours after victims abducted during a church service 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.
The fresh attack, which occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, it was gathered, was carried out by an estimated 20 to 30 bandits, who reportedly fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee for safety.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident saying, “Yes, there was an incident, but I cannot say much now”, adding that he was on way to Isapa from Ilorin, and promised an update.
Witnesses say an elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident.
A community leader, who confirmed the development under strict anonymity, 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.
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.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through sections of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.
Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered from several points in the community after the attackers retreated 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.
Nigeria is currently witnessing one of its worst security crisis in history, which has led to mass closure of schools, especially in the North.
