Residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after armed men stormed the community, damaging property and abducting a nine-year-old boy.
The attackers reportedly invaded the area at about 1:30 a.m., firing several gunshots into the air, forcing many residents to flee their homes for safety. During the attack, two buildings were damaged while the gunmen abducted the child, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
Sources in the community said the sound of gunfire sent residents scrambling into nearby communities and surrounding areas to avoid being caught in the violence.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and commenced efforts to rescue the abducted child.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident was reported to the police at about 2:30 a.m. by Isaac Olaosebikan and another resident, Joel Owalekan.
He said, “The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.”
Jimoh explained that the armed men allegedly broke into the residence of Olaosebikan during the attack. In an attempt to escape, the pastor fled into a nearby bush, leaving his son behind. The child was subsequently taken away by the assailants.
The police spokesperson added that another resident, Joel Owalekan, reported that the attackers also targeted his residence and caused damage while trying to gain access. He, however, escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.
Security personnel, including officers of the police command and operatives of the Amotekun Corps, have since been deployed to the area. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately launched, with security teams combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to locate the abducted child and apprehend those responsible.
“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” Jimoh stated.
The police said investigations are ongoing, while relevant exhibits recovered from the scene have been documented to aid efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security formations within the command to intensify efforts toward securing the victim’s release and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The command further disclosed that it is collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups as part of efforts to track down the suspects and ensure the safe return of the child.