Bukola Daramola, the 63-year-old Queen of Ikerin-Opin in Kwara State, has recounted the kidnapping attack that claimed the life of 14-year-old Kola Aina, a boy she described as her grandson.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Daramola said Kola was killed during an attack by suspected gunmen at a children’s anniversary programme held at a church on a hill on Sunday, May 25, 2026. She said Kola left her home shortly before 6 p.m. after persuading her to allow him attend the event. About 90 minutes later, the attackers stormed the church, opened fire, shot three people and abducted 18 others into the bush.
Daramola described Kola as a hardworking boy preparing for his Junior WAEC examination who lived with her and assisted with household chores. She said she fainted after learning of the attack.
She added that the identities of the attackers remain unknown, although the church pastor told her they spoke English and Fulfulde. Quoting survivors, Daramola said one gunman told another, “They didn’t tell us to kill; stop the killing. They just instructed us to gather everyone.” She alleged the second attacker shot the first in the hand before the group used a piece of the pastor’s wife’s clothing to bandage the wound and abducted her and her children.
