Residents of Igbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after suspected bandits attacked the community, destroyed two houses and abducted a nine-year-old boy.
The attackers reportedly stormed the area around 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots indiscriminately to terrorise residents before carrying out the attack.
The kidnapped victim, identified as Master Victor Olaosebikan, is the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan. Sources in the community said many residents fled their homes and sought refuge in neighbouring communities as the gunmen unleashed terror on the area.
According to reports, the assailants forced their way into the residence of Pastor Olaosebikan. The cleric escaped into a nearby bush during the attack, but his son was left behind and subsequently taken away by the kidnappers.
Another resident, Joel Owalekan, also had his house damaged by the attackers while they attempted to gain entry. He reportedly escaped unharmed after fleeing to safety.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and commenced efforts to rescue the abducted child.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by the victims.
He explained that security personnel, alongside operatives of the Amotekun Corps, were immediately deployed to the community and surrounding forests to search for the abductors and rescue the victim.
“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” Jimoh said.
The police spokesperson added that investigations had begun and relevant exhibits recovered from the scene were being analysed to aid efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, had directed tactical teams and intelligence units to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe release of the boy and bringing the suspects to justice.
Jimoh noted that the command was collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups as part of ongoing efforts to apprehend the attackers and restore calm to the community.
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