By Deborah Nnamdi
Bandits have raided the Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 11 residents in a Monday night attack that left an elderly woman injured by a stray bullet.
The gunmen, reported to be more than 20 in number, invaded the community with a large herd of cattle and fired shots indiscriminately as residents fled for safety.
A community leader, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed that 11 people were kidnapped, seven of whom belong to one family. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children.
The abducted individuals have been identified as Talatu Kabiru (20), Magaji (6), Kande (5), Hadiza (10), Mariam (6), Saima (5), a housewife identified as Habibat, another housewife, Fatima Yusufu (pregnant), Sarah Sunday (22), Lami Fidelis (23, nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).
Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved through parts of the community, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors. Expended AK-47 shells were also recovered at the scene after the assailants fled.
Police authorities have not yet issued an official statement.
The attack comes barely two weeks after gunmen struck the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, also in the same LGA, where 38 worshippers were abducted and others reportedly killed. The abducted church members were later released.
