10 abducted as police, vigilantes launch rescue operation

Kwara State has once again been thrown into fear and uncertainty as ten people were abducted in a fresh bandit attack in Isapa Community, Kwara South. The attack, which occurred on Monday evening, comes just days after the release of 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun congregation, who had been kidnapped during an evening service in nearby Eruku Community last week a violent episode that left three people dead.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the abductions on Tuesday, stating that combined teams of police officers and local vigilante groups are actively combing the surrounding forests in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. According to Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, spokesperson of the command, the incident took place around 6:05 p.m. when a group of armed men, reportedly herders, invaded Isapa Community, firing sporadically and creating panic among residents. A woman sustained a gunshot wound to her leg but has since been treated and discharged.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, visited Isapa to assess the situation on the ground. During the visit, he met with traditional rulers, including the Onisapa of Isapa Land, Oba Gbenga Adeyeye, and the Olokesa of Okesa Land, Oba Olu Fagbamila Raphael Olusegun, as well as local and youth leaders. The CP assured residents that security forces would intensify efforts to rescue the abducted individuals, restore public confidence, and prevent further attacks.

Authorities emphasized that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving police tactical units and vigilante groups is ongoing. The police urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and provide timely information about suspicious movements in their communities, stressing that community involvement is critical in combating banditry.

The latest attack highlights the persistent insecurity in Kwara State and the surrounding areas, where banditry, mass kidnappings, and violent raids have become recurring threats to lives and property. Residents, already traumatized by previous incidents, expressed fear and anxiety over the new abductions. “We just celebrated the release of the church members last week, and now this has happened. Life here has become unbearable,” said one local resident, speaking under anonymity.

Security analysts warn that without sustained military and police interventions, coupled with community vigilance, such attacks are likely to continue. They have called for a more proactive approach involving real time intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

The Kwara State Police Command reassured the public that normalcy has largely returned to Isapa, while monitoring continues to prevent further escalation. The rescue operation remains ongoing, and updates on the abductees’ safety are expected in the coming days.