A nine-year-old boy, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, has been abducted by suspected gunmen who launched a midnight attack on Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving residents in panic and forcing many to flee their homes.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Friday, firing sporadic gunshots to scare residents before breaking into homes and whisking the child away to an unknown destination.
The victim, who is the son of a local pastor, was taken from the residence of his father, Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac, during the attack. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men forced their way into the pastor’s home, prompting him to flee into nearby bushes in a desperate attempt to save his life. In the chaos, his son was seized by the attackers.
Residents said the invasion caused widespread fear in the community, with several people running into nearby forests for safety as gunfire echoed through the area. Another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, reported that his home was also vandalised during the attack as the gunmen attempted to break in, though he managed to escape unharmed.
The attackers reportedly damaged at least two buildings before leaving the area with the abducted child, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a distress call around 2:30 a.m. on Friday and immediately deployed officers to the scene.
He explained that the Divisional Police Officer, in collaboration with operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, quickly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
According to him, security personnel combed surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in an effort to rescue the abducted boy and track down the perpetrators.
He added that investigations have commenced and relevant evidence has been gathered to assist in identifying those behind the attack.
DSP Jimoh also urged residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the child and apprehending the suspects.
Meanwhile, local vigilante groups have intensified patrols and search efforts across neighbouring communities and forested areas as the operation to rescue the young victim continues.
