Panic gripped residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Friday after suspected bandits invaded the community, abducted a nine-year-old boy and vandalised two houses.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 1:30 a.m., firing sporadically to scare residents and force them indoors before carrying out the operation.
The abducted child, identified as Master Olaosebikan Victor, is the son of a local pastor, Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan. Residents said the gunmen whisked the boy away to an unknown destination after invading his family’s residence.
Sources in the community disclosed that many residents fled into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities for safety as gunshots echoed through the area during the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers and commenced efforts to rescue the victim.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan.
According to the police, the armed men forced their way into the residence of Olaosebikan. The pastor reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush to save his life, leaving behind his son who was subsequently abducted by the assailants.
The police added that the attackers also damaged the residence of Owalekan while attempting to gain entry. He, however, escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.
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Ayanlade said personnel of the command, working alongside operatives of the Amotekun Corps, had been deployed to the area and had begun a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that investigations had commenced, while relevant exhibits recovered from the scene were being examined to aid the probe.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, had directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security formations to intensify efforts toward securing the safe rescue of the child and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
According to the command, collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups is ongoing as efforts continue to track down the kidnappers and ensure the victim’s safe return.