Panic swept through Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State in the early hours of Friday after heavily armed kidnappers stormed the area, destroyed buildings and abducted a nine-year-old boy during a terrifying midnight attack.
The attackers, suspected to be bandits, reportedly invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun at about 1:30 a.m., firing repeatedly into the air and sending terrified residents fleeing into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities for safety.
In the chaos that followed, the gunmen allegedly targeted the residence of a pastor, Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan, and abducted his nine-year-old son, Victor Olaosebikan, after the cleric narrowly escaped death by fleeing into the surrounding forest.
Witnesses said the community was thrown into confusion as the attackers moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and smashing properties in what residents described as one of the most frightening incidents to hit the area in recent times.
The assailants also reportedly damaged at least two residential buildings during the raid while attempting to gain access to occupants.
A resident said many villagers abandoned their homes and spent the night in neighbouring communities amid fears that the attackers could return.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched a massive manhunt for the kidnappers and commenced a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted child.
Police spokesman, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the attack was reported to authorities by the victim’s father and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, whose house was also targeted by the gunmen.
According to him, the attackers forced their way into the pastor’s residence, but the cleric escaped into the bush, leaving behind his son who was subsequently whisked away by the armed men.
“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,” the police spokesman said.
He disclosed that police operatives, in collaboration with personnel of the Amotekun Corps, immediately swung into action, combing forests and suspected escape routes in a desperate bid to rescue the child and apprehend the kidnappers.
The Command said relevant exhibits had been recovered from the scene while investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.
