Bandits have kidnapped 11 residents of Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, marking yet another violent assault in a region already reeling from recent attacks.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, comes just a week after gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the same locality, abducting 38 worshippers and killing others.

According to residents, more than 20 armed men stormed the village with a large herd of cattle, firing repeatedly as people scrambled for safety. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet.

The victims have been identified as:

  • Talatu Kabiru (20)
  • Magaji (6)
  • Kande (5)
  • Hadiza (10)
  • Mariam (6)
  • Saima (5)
  • Habibat (housewife)
  • Fatima Yusufu (pregnant woman)
  • Sarah Sunday (22)
  • Lami Fidelis (23, nursing mother)
  • Haja Na Allah (nursing mother)

Residents said the attackers moved from house to house, leaving behind bullet holes in walls and shattered doors. Dozens of spent AK-47 shells were recovered after the gunmen retreated with their captives.

Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement, though locals say they are awaiting a security response and reinforcement.