Panic in Kwara as Bandits Strike Again, Abduct Pregnant Woman, Nursing Mothers, Children in Fresh Attack

 Panic in Kwara as Bandits Strike Again, Abduct Pregnant Woman, Nursing Mothers, Children in Fresh Attack

Ilorin 25th November 2025

Fear and uncertainty have once again engulfed parts of Kwara State as armed bandits launched a fresh assault on the peaceful community of Isapa in Ekiti Local Government Area, abducting 11 residents in a shocking raid carried out around 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

The victims include a heavily pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children—an incident that has deepened the sense of vulnerability already gripping rural communities across the state. Residents say the attackers moved with precision, suggesting a coordinated operation that caught local security volunteers off guard.

According to eyewitnesses, the bandits invaded Isapa just as many villagers were returning from their farms. Gunshots rang out, sending residents running for safety as the armed men stormed homes, forcefully dragging out their victims. “It happened so fast,” one resident recounted. “We heard the first gunshot, and before anyone could understand what was happening, they had already surrounded the area.”

The assailants reportedly led their captives toward the dense forest bordering the community, leaving behind a trail of fear, tears, and unanswered questions. Families of the abducted individuals have been thrown into distress, many spending the night outside in clusters, praying and hoping for a divine intervention.

This latest attack comes just a week after another terrifying incident in the state, where 38 worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted while on their way to a church programme. The worshippers were eventually released, but the memory of their ordeal remains fresh—and now the new attack has reopened wounds and heightened tension.

Community leaders say the frequency of these attacks is beginning to overwhelm local vigilance groups who lack the equipment, manpower, and proper training to match the firepower of these criminal gangs. “We are completely helpless,” a traditional ruler said. “Every week, we are counting victims. Our people are scared to farm, scared to travel, and scared to sleep. How long will this continue?”

Community leader who confirmed the attack but spoked in anonymity, said seven of the victims were taken from a single household.

"This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times, seven people were taken in one single family. People are scared. we don't even know what to expect next."

Residents are now calling on the Kwara State Government and federal security agencies to step up efforts to secure the area. Many argue that unless strong, permanent military or police presence is established, the region will continue to be an easy target for bandit groups who move between states through thick forests connecting Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.

Security sources familiar with the situation say a joint search operation involving police operatives, local vigilantes, and possibly military personnel is expected to commence. However, they warn that the rugged terrain gives the bandits an advantage, making rescue missions challenging without swift intelligence support.

The emotional toll on families of the abducted is palpable. Mothers sobbed uncontrollably as they described the terror of watching helplessly while their loved ones were taken away. One woman whose sister was kidnapped pleaded with authorities to “act fast before the bandits harm them.”

Across Kwara, anger and frustration are building as residents question the effectiveness of recent security measures. Many believe the attacks have become too frequent to be treated as isolated incidents, insisting that the state must prioritise rural security as a matter of urgency.

As the sun rises over Isapa, the atmosphere remains heavy with grief and uncertainty. Search efforts are expected to intensify in the coming hours, but for now, the community waits anxiously—hoping for the safe return of the pregnant woman, nursing mothers, children, and other abducted residents.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but pressure is mounting for swift and decisive action before the situation spirals further out of control. The kidnapping has once again brought to the forefront the pressing security challenges facing communities in Nigeria’s north-central region, raising critical questions about safety, governance, and the human cost of unchecked criminality.