Armed bandits have attacked the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, destroying two houses and abducting a nine-year-old boy during a midnight raid.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among residents. During the attack, two buildings were damaged, while the kidnappers abducted a young boy identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
Residents said the sound of gunfire forced many people to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.
According to reports, the armed men broke into the pastor’s residence during the attack. In an attempt to save his life, Pastor Olaosebikan escaped into a nearby bush, but his son was taken away by the assailants.
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Another resident, Joel Owalekan, also reportedly escaped after the attackers attempted to force their way into his home. His property was damaged during the incident.
Confirming the attack, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers and intensified efforts to rescue the abducted child.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives, alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, were immediately deployed to the area following the incident.
He explained that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation had commenced, with security teams combing nearby forests and possible escape routes used by the kidnappers.
The police added that investigations were ongoing and that evidence recovered from the scene would aid efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical units, intelligence teams and other security operatives to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of the attackers.
The command also disclosed that it is collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the kidnappers are tracked down and brought to justice.
