Barely a week after the abduction and release of 38 worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, terror has again struck Kwara State as at least 11 residents were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 6pm when between 20 and 30 armed bandits stormed the agrarian community with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents scampered for safety.

Sources told our correspondent that the attackers moved from street to street, firing into houses while pursuing fleeing residents. Bullet holes were seen in walls, windows and wooden doors, underscoring the intensity of the assault.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, confirmed that 11 people were abducted, including seven members of the same family. The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children.

He identified the abductees as Talatu Kabiru; six-year-old Magaji; Kande, aged five; 10-year-old Hadiza; Mariam, aged six; five-year-old Saima; Habibat (a housewife); Fatima Yusufu; a 22-year-old pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday; Lami Fidelis; and a nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.

“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times. Seven members of one family were taken. People are terrified. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” he said.

A senior security official confirmed the attack on Tuesday, noting that operatives were already combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and surrounding villages.

“Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in the area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” he said.

He added that despite federal security reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church abduction, surveillance in the area remains challenging due to the vast forest and numerous dispersed settlements.

“Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but the forest is vast. There are many villages there, and it’s hard to be everywhere at once. But we are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying details and would provide an update soon.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the state government had issued an official statement.

The latest attack has heightened fear across Isapa, Eruku and neighbouring communities, with residents worried that bandits may be attempting to entrench themselves in the area. Local vigilante groups have stepped up night patrols, while some religious centres have scaled back evening activities.

The Isapa incident marks the third major attack in Ekiti LGA within a month. Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku but later rescued. Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted during a church service in the same town and were also released after several days in captivity.