A late-night attack in Ondo State has thrown residents into panic after armed bandits invaded a rural settlement, kidnapping a nine-year-old boy and vandalizing residential properties during a coordinated operation.
The armed assailants reportedly abducted a nine-year-old child and damaged two houses when they stormed the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State during the early hours of Friday.
According to reports, the attackers arrived at approximately 1:30 a.m. and began shooting sporadically, creating fear and confusion that forced many residents to abandon their homes and flee into nearby communities for safety.
Police authorities identified the abducted child as Master Olaosebikan Victor, the son of a cleric, Isaac Olaosebikan. As the attack unfolded, the pastor reportedly escaped into the bush in an effort to save his life, while the young boy was left behind.
The gunmen subsequently captured the child and whisked him away to an undisclosed destination.
Another resident of the community, Joel Owalekan, disclosed that the same group of attackers broke into his residence and extensively damaged the property before he succeeded in escaping from the area unharmed.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi, stated that security operatives have commenced a comprehensive operation aimed at tracking down the suspects involved in the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, has instructed tactical squads, intelligence personnel, and all available security resources to focus on ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted boy and the apprehension of those behind the crime.
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, working alongside members of the Amotekun Corps, have since been deployed to the affected community and surrounding areas as part of coordinated search-and-rescue efforts. The teams are currently combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes in pursuit of the kidnappers.
Police authorities also revealed that investigations into the incident are ongoing, adding that relevant exhibits connected to the attack have already been recovered and properly documented.
The command further stated that it is collaborating with other security agencies as well as local vigilante groups to intensify efforts aimed at locating the abductors, securing the release of the victim, and ensuring that those responsible are brought before the law.
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