By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti
Residents of Erinmope-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State have been thrown into deep shock following the abduction of five women, including a pregnant woman and a nursing mother, by suspected kidnappers.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, has unsettled the usually peaceful agrarian community, with residents describing the attack as unprecedented in the area’s history.
A family member, Mr. Mahmud, a 60-year-old cattle dealer, disclosed that the gunmen struck around 7pm, firing sporadically to instill fear before whisking away the victims.
He said the male members of the household were away at the mosque when the attackers struck, leaving the women vulnerable.
According to him, the abducted women include wives and children of his younger brother and son, identified as Kehinde Mahmud, Adijat Hussein, Hawawu Suleiman, Fatima, and another Fatima.
Mahmud said the family promptly alerted security agencies, leading to a swift deployment of a joint team comprising the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun operatives and other security outfits.
Despite an intensive search, the kidnappers reportedly evaded capture by abandoning their usual escape route and blending into the community.
“The Area Commander personally came around to coordinate the operation, but we later learnt the kidnappers did not pass through the known Osin axis towards Kwara State. It appears they mixed with residents to escape,” he said.
He revealed that the abductors contacted the family once, demanding a ransom of N100 million, but have since gone silent, further heightening fears over the victims’ safety.
Or particular concern, Mahmud noted, is the condition of one of the victims who is heavily pregnant, as well as a nursing mother, describing the situation as emotionally devastating for the family.
“This is a community where we have lived peacefully for over 70 years. We have never experienced anything like this. We are appealing to the state and local governments to intervene and help secure their release because there is no way we can raise such an amount,” he lamented.
The incident has renewed calls by residents for increased security presence and surveillance in rural communities across Ekiti State to prevent a recurrence.