According to an interview with The PUNCH, 63-year-old Bukola Daramola, the Queen of Ikerin-Opin in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has recounted the devastating kidnapping attack on her community that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy she raised, describing the tragedy as one of the most painful moments of her life.
Daramola explained that the victim, Kola Aina, was killed during an attack by suspected bandits on a church programme held on Sunday, May 25, 2026.
Recalling the events leading up to the tragedy, she said the church had organised a Children’s Anniversary programme on a mountain, where participants had gathered for rehearsals. According to her, she initially refused to let Kola attend because they were the only two people at home. However, after he pleaded with her and explained that his friends had come to pick him up, she eventually gave her consent. He left the house shortly before 6 p.m.
She said that approximately 90 minutes later, armed men invaded the church gathering, opening fire before moving into the premises. During the attack, three people were reportedly shot, while 18 others were abducted and taken into the forest.
Speaking about Kola, Daramola described him as more than just a child in her care, saying he was like a grandson and the youngest member of her family. She noted that he was the only person living with her and praised him as a hardworking, responsible and caring boy who, despite being only 14 years old, could prepare meals and regularly assisted with household chores. She added that he had been preparing to sit for his Junior WAEC examination before his life was cut short.
The monarch said the news of the attack was so overwhelming that she lost consciousness after hearing about it. She later regained awareness to find people gathered around her, with water poured on the floor in an effort to revive her.
She also revealed that Kola was dearly loved by her children, who regarded him as their youngest brother and considered him an integral part of the family.
On the identity of the attackers, Daramola said they remain unknown. However, she disclosed that the church pastor informed her that the assailants communicated in both English and Fulfulde during the attack.
Quoting accounts from survivors, she said one of the gunmen reportedly instructed another not to continue shooting, saying, “They didn’t tell us to kill; stop killing. They told us to pack all of them.”
According to Daramola, the second attacker allegedly responded by shooting the first in the hand. As the injured gunman began bleeding heavily, the attackers reportedly tore a piece of cloth from the pastor’s wife’s dress to bandage the wound before abducting her and her children along with other captives……See More
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