Gunmen strike again in Ondo, abduct nine-year-old boy, destroy many homes

Residents of Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after heavily armed kidnappers invaded the town, vandalized properties and abducted a nine-year-old boy during a midnight raid.

The attackers, suspected to be bandits, reportedly stormed Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun at about 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots indiscriminately into the air and forcing frightened residents to flee their homes into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through the community unchecked, creating fear and confusion as they shot sporadically and targeted several houses.

The incident is being described by residents as one of the most terrifying security breaches the area has witnessed in recent times.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly invaded the residence of a pastor, Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan.

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Although the cleric managed to escape into a nearby forest, the gunmen abducted his nine-year-old son, Victor Olaosebikan, who was left behind in the chaos.

Residents said the attackers attempted to gain access to several homes, destroying parts of buildings and damaging properties in the process.

At least two residential houses were reportedly vandalized during the operation.

A community source disclosed that many villagers abandoned their homes and sought refuge in neighbouring settlements throughout the night over fears that the gunmen could launch another attack.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had commenced an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted child.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident was reported to security authorities by the victim’s father and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, whose residence was also targeted by the attackers.

According to the police spokesman, the armed men forcefully entered the pastor’s residence. While the cleric escaped into the bush to save his life, the kidnappers seized his son and fled with him to an unknown destination.

“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,” Ayanlade stated.

He revealed that police operatives, working in collaboration with personnel of the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilized to the area and began combing surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The command further disclosed that relevant exhibits had been recovered from the scene, while investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical squads, intelligence units and other security formations to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the abducted child and the arrest of the kidnappers.