Residents of Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after gunmen invaded the area, injured several people, and abducted a nine-year-old boy.
Key Highlights:
According to reports, the attackers stormed the community around 1:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes and surrounding areas for safety. Several villagers reportedly sustained injuries while escaping the assault.
The gunmen were also said to have vandalised homes and damaged property during the attack before fleeing the scene.
The abducted child, identified as Olaosebikan Victor, is the son of a well-known pastor in the community. Witnesses said the boy was taken away after the attackers forced their way into his family’s residence.
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Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers and commenced efforts to rescue the victim.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed that the incident was reported to authorities at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by residents of the affected area.
According to him, armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun at approximately 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots and creating panic among residents.
Jimoh explained that the attackers broke into the residence of the boy’s father, Isaac Olaosebikan. In an attempt to save his life, the father reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently abducted by the assailants.
Another resident, Joel Owalekan, also reported that the attackers damaged his home while trying to gain entry. He managed to escape unharmed.
The police spokesperson stated that security agencies responded immediately after receiving the distress call. Officers from the division, working alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation across surrounding forests and suspected escape routes.
He added that investigations are ongoing, while exhibits recovered from the scene are being examined to aid efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical and intelligence units across the command to intensify efforts toward rescuing the abducted child and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The police assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to secure the victim’s safe release and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Authorities also appealed to anyone with credible information regarding the whereabouts of the abducted child or the suspects to report immediately to the nearest police station or security agency.
