Residents of Igbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after armed attackers stormed the community, abducted a nine-year-old boy and vandalised two houses.
According to reports, the assailants invaded the area around 1 a.m., firing gunshots indiscriminately to create fear among residents. During the attack, they allegedly damaged two residential buildings before abducting the child, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
The gunfire reportedly forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in nearby communities.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by community members, including the victim’s father and another resident, Joel Owalekan.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh explained that the armed men invaded the neighbourhood and targeted the residence of Pastor Olaosebikan. In an attempt to escape, the pastor reportedly ran into a nearby bush, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently taken away by the attackers.
Another resident, Owalekan, also escaped after the gunmen allegedly attempted to force their way into his home and damaged parts of the building.
The police said a joint security operation involving officers of the command and operatives of the Amotekun Corps was immediately launched following the attack.
Security personnel have since begun combing surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in a coordinated effort to rescue the abducted child and apprehend those responsible.
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Jimoh stated that investigations are ongoing, while relevant evidence has been collected to aid efforts to track down the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical units, intelligence teams and other security personnel to intensify efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the boy and bring the attackers to justice.
The command also said it is working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups as the search operation continues.