At least 17 people were abducted in a fresh attack on Isapa community in Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Monday evening. The attackers, reportedly a gang of seven armed bandits, struck just five kilometers from Eruku, where a church was attacked last week, leaving three dead and 38 abducted.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m., when the bandits reportedly stormed the community with a herd of cattle, firing sporadically and causing residents to flee. An elderly woman was reportedly killed by a stray bullet during the assault.

Abducted victims include 11 individuals from one family, comprising a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several children. The initial victims have been identified as:

• Talatu Kabiru (20, Female)
• Magaji (6, Male)
• Kande (5, Female)
• Hadiza (10, Female)
• Mariam (6, Female)
• Saima (5, Female)
• Habibat (Housewife)
• Fatima Yusufu (Housewife)
• Sarah Sunday (22, Pregnant Female)
• Lami Fidelis (23, Nursing Mother)
• Haja Na Allah (Nursing Mother)

The attackers reportedly left bullet holes in walls and doors, and spent expended AK-47 shells across the community.

In a targeted move, the bandits also went after a businessman who had paid N2 million ransom during a previous abduction. Finding him absent, they abducted six of his family members – his two wives and four children.

Confirming the attack, Kwara Police Commissioner, Ojo Adekimi, said he had just returned from the scene, with a comprehensive report being prepared by the PPRO.

In response, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the formation of a cabinet-level security committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, to develop both short- and long-term strategies to curb insecurity. The committee includes security advisers, commissioners, local government representatives, and traditional stakeholders.

The governor’s office stated that the committee would submit its report within four weeks, aiming to provide a Kwara-specific approach to strengthening public safety in light of nationwide security challenges.