A nine-year-old boy, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, has been abducted by suspected gunmen following a midnight raid on Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, sparking renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 1:30 a.m. when armed assailants invaded the community and unleashed terror on residents. The attack was subsequently reported to security authorities by two residents, Olaosebikan Isaac and Joel Owalekan, who were directly affected by the incident.
According to information made available to the police, the attackers arrived in the area during the early hours of the morning and began firing gunshots indiscriminately, creating fear and confusion among residents who were abruptly awakened by the sound of gunfire.
During the invasion, the gunmen reportedly targeted the residence of Olaosebikan Isaac. Fearing for his safety after the attackers breached the area, Isaac fled into a nearby bush to escape the assault. In the process, his nine-year-old son, Victor, was left behind and was allegedly seized by the attackers before they fled the scene.
The assailants also reportedly attempted to gain access to the residence of another community member, Joel Owalekan. While trying to force their way into the building, they allegedly damaged parts of the property. Owalekan, however, managed to escape without sustaining injuries.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, disclosed that security operatives responded swiftly after receiving reports of the attack.
According to Abayomi, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area immediately mobilised officers alongside personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, to launch a rescue operation aimed at locating the abducted child and apprehending those responsible for the crime.
He explained that security teams commenced extensive search operations across surrounding forests and other suspected routes that may have been used by the kidnappers to escape with the victim.
Abayomi further stated that investigators had already begun gathering evidence from the scene, while relevant exhibits connected to the incident had been recovered to aid ongoing investigations.
“All tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets have been directed to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unharmed and the arrest of the perpetrators,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that the command was collaborating closely with other security agencies, local vigilante groups and community stakeholders to strengthen the search operation and ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
He reassured residents that the command remains committed to securing the safe return of the abducted child and restoring confidence among members of the community.
Abayomi also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by providing credible information that could assist investigators.
“Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency,” he said.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of kidnapping and violent attacks in rural communities, with residents hoping that the ongoing rescue efforts will lead to the safe recovery of the young victim and the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
