A nine-year-old boy, Master Victor Oluwatobi, who was abducted by gunmen in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been reunited with his family after spending three weeks in captivity.
The child, who is the son of a cleric, was rescued on Sunday through a coordinated operation involving security agencies.
The abduction occurred in the early hours of June 5, 2026, when armed assailants stormed Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun and vandalised two residential buildings in an attempt to kidnap their owners. The targeted landlords reportedly escaped the attack.
However, the gunmen succeeded in taking away Master Victor, who was asleep during the invasion. His father, Pastor Oluwatobi, was unable to evacuate all his children before the attackers struck.
Following the incident, the Ondo State Government mobilised security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups, to intensify search operations across forests and surrounding communities in a bid to secure the boy’s release.
The efforts paid off on Sunday when the child was safely rescued and returned to his family.
Residents of the community have since commended the Ondo State Government and security agencies for their commitment and persistence in ensuring the victim’s freedom.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, expressed appreciation to security operatives and all individuals who played roles in the successful rescue operation.
He described the outcome as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration among security agencies and community stakeholders in tackling criminal activities.