Kwara: Police launch rescue operation for abducted Isapa community residents

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Police said they have deployed their operatives as well as local vigilante operatives in search of 10 people who were abducted by gunmen suspected to be herders at Isapa community, Obbo-Ile Village, Kwara State on Monday.

The Police Command revealed this in a statement on Tuesday signed by Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Police Public Relations Officer for the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command.

He also revealed that the police received information about the incident at 18:30 hours on 24 November 2025 and promptly mobilised operatives to the scene.

“The command received distress information of sporadic gunfire within the Isapa community. Police operatives promptly mobilised patrol vehicles and tactical teams to the scene.

“Preliminary findings revealed that at approximately 18:05hrs, a group of armed men, suspected to be herders, invaded the village and opened fire indiscriminately. A woman sustained a gunshot wound to her leg; she has since been treated and discharged. Further investigations revealed that 10 persons were abducted.

“A search-and-rescue operation is currently underway, involving police tactical teams and local vigilante groups. They are combing the surrounding bushes to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits. Normalcy has been restored in the village, and the situation remains under strict monitoring,” the statement read.

The statement also indicated that Kwara Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, visited Isapa for an on-the-spot assessment.

According to the statement, during the visit, Ojo CP 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 Police Commissioner assured residents of intensified efforts to rescue the victims safely and restore security.

Reports indicated that armed bandits numbering more than 20, stormed Isapa community on Monday with a large herd of cattle, firing shots indiscriminately.

The armed invaders moved through parts of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

Spent AK-47 shells were found scattered across the community after the gunmen fled. Police authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

One of those who suffered gunshot injuries was elderly woman.

However, the armed invaders reportedly left with 10 of the community members with seven of the abducted individuals said to be members of a family.

Those abducted, according to a community leader, include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children.

The identities of the abducted individuals have been confirmed as: Talatu Kabiru (20, female), Magaji (6, male), Kande (5, female), Hadiza (10, female), Mariam (6, female), Saima (5, female), housewives Habibat and Fatima Yusufu, pregnant woman Fatima Yusufu, Sarah Sunday (22, female), Lami Fidelis (23, female, nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).

The attack on Isapa followed gunmen attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch in Eruku, in the same LGA about a week ago.

The gunmen had abducted 38 members of the church with two others killed.

However, the abducted church members have been released.