Barely one week after 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and later released, another wave of terror has hit Kwara State, as at least 11 residents were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the latest attack occurred around 6pm when between 20 and 30 bandits stormed the quiet agrarian settlement with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents fled for safety.

Our correspondent gathered that the attackers moved through several parts of the town, firing shots into homes.q

Bullet holes were reportedly found in walls, windows and wooden doors, confirming the intensity of the gunfire.

A community leader, who spoke on the development under strict anonymity, confirmed that 11 persons were abducted, with seven of them belonging to a single family.

According to him, the kidnapped victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and children.

He listed the abductees as, Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji, Kande (5 years), 10-year-old Hadiza and Mariam, who is also 6 years old.

Others are 5-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant woman identified as Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).

“This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times, Seven members of the same family were taken. People are terrified. We don’t even know what to expect next.

“People are now living in fear. This is too much. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” he said.

A highly placed security official confirmed the incident to PUNCH on Tuesday, saying that operatives had already begun combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and other surrounding villages.

“Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in that area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” he said.

He added that despite the presence of federal security reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church kidnapping, the vastness of the forest and the presence of multiple settlements make surveillance difficult.

“Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but you know that forest is vast. There are many villages around there, and it’s hard to be everywhere at the same time. But we are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying details and would provide an update later.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the police or the state government.

The attack has sparked fresh panic in Isapa, Eruku and neighbouring communities, with many residents expressing fear that bandits may be attempting to establish dominance in the area.

Local vigilantes have intensified night patrols, while some religious centres have scaled back evening activities.

The Isapa attack is the third major assault on Ekiti LGA communities in less than a month.

Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku but later rescued.

Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted inside a church in Eruku during a thanksgiving service and were also later released.

The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a pardon for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

They said releasing Kanu through pardon would open space for broader engagement between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders, leading to long-term peace.

The lawmakers, in a statement on Monday after a meeting, said Nigeria has, in critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace.

“Indeed, the authors of our constitution conceived of Section 175 in anticipation that the bare dictates of the law may sometimes prove insufficient in tackling complex legal issues that are better handled politically via Presidential discretion,” they said.

“It is our belief that an act of clemency by the President would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritises healing over division. It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances.

“Finally, the caucus believes that the release of Mazi Kanu, through pardon, would open space for broader engagement between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders to chart a sustainable and peaceful path forward.

“Therefore, in the spirit of national healing, unity, and responsible leadership, we respectfully urge the President to consider this request as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term peace and cohesion,” they added.

The National Assembly members lamented that the continued detention of Kanu had contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the South-East region.

They said that despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere remained strained.

According to them, a presidential act of mercy at this time has the potential to de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance.

“Beyond its political nature, this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population. The South-East has experienced profound social disruptions — closed markets, interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activity, and fear.

“A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life,” they stated.

The lawmaker further noted that as elected representatives, they respect the judiciary and the processes that led to Kanu’s conviction.

“However, our responsibility also requires us to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolves into a broader national concern with serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.

“After extensive deliberation, the caucus resolved to humbly appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to consider a political and humanitarian intervention using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant pardon to Mazi Kanu,” they added.

No fewer than 120 youths from 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State are undergoing training on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation, configuration, maintenance and enterprise in the state .

The five-day training is organised by the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), in partnership with Enugu SME Centre, and Enugu State Office of Digital Economy.

The initiative is part of Federal Government’s NIGCOMSAT Youth Empowerment Programme.

It is themed: “Strengthening Last Mile Connectivity: VSAT Capacity Building for Enugu State Communities”.

In his address, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said that the training aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s mandate of bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.

Egerton-Idehen who was represented by NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Sales, Mr Ibiye Ukoko, said that the agency bridges the nation’s digital divide, by extending secure, and affordable satellite-based connectivity to underserved communities.

She noted that NIGCOMSAT remained the backbone of national digital infrastructure and a key enabler of the country’s Digital Economy Policy.

“This programme is a core part of our mission to build a digitally empowered and future-ready Enugu State.

“By equipping these youths with VSAT skills, we are strengthening the state’s capacity to deploy satellite connectivity across communities where terrestrial infrastructure is weak or nonexistent,” she said.

She explained that NIGCOMSAT supports broadband expansion by delivering high-availability internet to remote areas, providing backhaul services for telecom operators, and powering critical sectors.

She added that VSAT-based connectivity will improve e-governance, bolster e-learning and telemedicine, support SMEs and digital businesses, as well as provide resilient communication infrastructure.

Also speaking at the training, Special Adviser to Gov. Peter Mbah on SMEs and Digital Economy, Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, applauded NIGCOMSAT for investing in Enugu’s human capital.

The Special Adviser who was represented by Senior Programmes Manager at the Enugu SME Centre, Mr Salem Emmanuel, described the initiative as a strategic step in empowering the state’s youth with globally competitive digital skills.

“This programme is more than a training; It is a gateway to future opportunities.

“Under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah, Enugu remains committed to bridging the digital divide and building a workforce ready for tomorrow’s digital economy,” he said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, adding that the knowledge gained will afford them a fast-expanding connectivity in the ICT services sector.

The training is expected to end on Nov. 28