Fear has gripped Ekiti border communities after gunmen killed a woman and reportedly demanded ₦1.5 million before releasing her body, deepening a wave of terror that has paralysed daily life.
Residents of Irele and Ijowa in Ajoni LCDA say suspected bandits have laid siege to their communities for over 11 days, killing at least one person and abducting several others. Sources said no fewer than five residents have been kidnapped, forcing farmers and traders to abandon their livelihoods and remain indoors.
The crisis turned tragic when gunmen attacked a woman, popularly called Mummy Isaac, and her son while returning from the farm. Her son survived with gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment, but the attackers reportedly dragged the woman into the forest where she died.
In a shocking twist, the kidnappers allegedly contacted her family, showed them her lifeless body and demanded ₦1.5 million before releasing her remains for burial, sparking outrage and grief across the community.
Traditional leader, High Chief Kehinde Abejide, described the situation as a reign of terror, saying residents now live like prisoners in their own homes, with farming and cross-border trade completely disrupted.
He revealed that the violence began about two weeks ago with the abduction of a young farmer, whose kidnappers demanded ₦10 million ransom, and warned that continued attacks and fresh abductions show the criminals are growing more emboldened.
Residents have appealed to the Ekiti State Government and security agencies for urgent intervention, warning that without swift action, more lives could be lost and entire communities displaced.
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