Armed attackers invaded Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Friday, leaving several residents injured and abducting a nine-year-old boy.
The assailants reportedly stormed the community around 1:00 a.m., firing gunshots and causing panic among residents. Many villagers fled into nearby bushes to escape the attack, while others sustained injuries during the chaos.
Witnesses said the gunmen also vandalised homes and damaged property before fleeing the area.
The kidnapped child, identified as Olaosebikan Victor, is the son of a popular pastor in the community.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives had launched a search operation to rescue the boy and apprehend those responsible.
According to him, the attack was reported to the police at about 2:30 a.m. by residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun. Preliminary findings revealed that the armed men forcefully entered the residence of the victim’s father, Olaosebikan Isaac. While attempting to save himself, Isaac escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving his son behind, who was subsequently taken away by the attackers.
Another resident, Joel Owalekan, also reported that the gunmen damaged his home while trying to gain access. He managed to escape unharmed.
The police said officers from the division, working alongside operatives of the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the area and began combing nearby forests and possible escape routes.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to secure the child’s release and arrest the perpetrators.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
