Residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after armed men stormed the community and abducted a nine-year-old boy during a midnight attack.
The victim, identified as Master Olaosebikan Victor, was reportedly whisked away by the gunmen after they invaded his family’s residence at about 1:30 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.
According to information made available by the Ondo State Police Command, the attackers targeted the home of the boy’s father, Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac, who escaped into a nearby bush after the assailants broke into the premises.
In the process, the gunmen seized the child and fled to an unknown destination.
Another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, whose house was also attacked, reportedly escaped unharmed after fleeing when the armed men attempted to force their way into his residence.
The incident was reported to the police around 2:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from security operatives.
Police authorities said the Divisional Police Officer in the area, alongside personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, immediately mobilised to the community and launched a search-and-rescue operation.
Security teams were said to have combed surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in an effort to locate the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.
The command disclosed that investigations had commenced, while exhibits recovered from the scene were being analysed to aid efforts to track down those behind the attack.
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, directed tactical units, intelligence operatives and other security formations to intensify efforts towards rescuing the victim and arresting the kidnappers.
The police chief also ordered enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The command assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to secure the child’s safe return and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The latest abduction has heightened concerns over security in parts of Ose Local Government Area, with residents calling for increased surveillance and security presence to prevent further attacks.