Residents of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after armed attackers stormed the community, damaged properties and abducted a nine-year-old boy.
The assailants reportedly invaded the Igbosi area of Idogun at about 1 a.m., firing gunshots indiscriminately to terrorise residents before destroying two houses and kidnapping the child, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
According to community sources, the gunfire forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities to avoid being caught in the attack.
Confirming the incident, Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi, said security agencies had launched an operation to rescue the abducted boy and track down those responsible.
He explained that the attack was reported to the police at about 2:30 a.m. by Pastor Isaac Olaosebikan and another resident, Joel Owalekan.
According to the police, the gunmen stormed the community around 1:30 a.m., shooting sporadically and creating panic among residents. During the invasion, they reportedly broke into the pastor’s residence. In an attempt to save his life, Olaosebikan fled into a nearby bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Victor Olaosebikan, who was subsequently taken away by the attackers.
The police also disclosed that Owalekan’s residence was damaged during the attack as the gunmen attempted to gain access to the property. He reportedly escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, personnel of the Ondo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps were deployed to the area, where they began coordinated search-and-rescue operations.
Security operatives have since combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in an effort to locate the abducted child and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing, adding that relevant evidence has been recovered from the scene to aid efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical squads and intelligence units to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the victim and bringing those behind the attack to justice.
The command said it is also collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups as the manhunt for the attackers continues.
