Fresh Terror Strikes Kwara Community
Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State has been hit by another devastating bandit attack, resulting in the abduction of eleven residents and the tragic death of an elderly woman. The incident occurred on Monday evening around 7:00 p.m. when approximately seven armed men invaded the community.
Details of the Attack
The assailants arrived driving a large herd of cattle while firing sporadically, forcing panicked residents to flee for safety. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen specifically targeted the residence of a local businessman who had previously been kidnapped and released after paying a N2 million ransom.
When the bandits discovered the businessman was not present, they abducted six members of his household instead, including his two wives and four children. The victims include Talatu Kabiru (20), Magaji (6), Kande (5), Hadiza (10), Mariam (6), Saima (5), two housewives named Habibat and Fatima Yusufu, Sarah Sunday (22) who is pregnant, Lami Fidelis (23) a nursing mother, and Haja Na Allah, also a nursing mother.
Tragically, an elderly woman lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet during the chaotic attack. The community was left littered with expended AK-47 shells and bullet holes in walls and doors, evidence of the violent nature of the invasion.
Official Response and Security Measures
Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the incident, stating that he had personally visited the affected area. "Yes, there's a fresh bandit attack in Isapa. I just returned from the place. The PPRO is preparing a comprehensive report," he stated.
In response to the escalating security crisis, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has inaugurated a cabinet-level security committee named the 'Safer Kwara' Security Committee. The committee, headed by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, includes:
- Senior security advisers
- Commissioners
- Local government chairpersons
- Mrs Olufunke Mercy Shittu as secretary
The committee has been given four weeks to develop and submit comprehensive security strategies focusing on short, medium, and long-term solutions to strengthen public safety across Kwara State.
Broader Security Context
This latest abduction follows last week's attack in nearby Eruku, where bandits killed three worshippers and abducted thirty-eight others during a church service at Christ Apostolic Church. The repeated incursions have heightened concerns among residents about the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has pledged sustained security operations in Kebbi State following the abduction of twenty-five students from Government Girls' Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga. During a condolence visit to Governor Nasir Idris, Egbetokun described the attack as an act of terror aimed at instilling fear and disrupting education.
The police have expanded operational deployments and strengthened intelligence-sharing with other security agencies to confront the growing security threats across the northwestern region.
