Armed bandits on Friday attacked the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, destroying two houses and abducting a nine-year-old boy, Oluwatobi, son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
The attackers reportedly, invaded the community around 1 am., firing gunshots indiscriminately to create panic among residents.
It was gathered that during the attack, the bandits destroyed two buildings before kidnapping the child. Residents were said to have fled their homes and sought refuge in neighbouring communities after hearing the gunfire.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers and intensified efforts to rescue the boy.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident was reported around 2:30 a.m. by Isaac Olaosebikan and Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.
According to the police, the armed men stormed the community at about 1:30 a.m. and forced their way into Olaosebikan’s residence. The pastor escaped into the bush, but his son, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, was abducted by the attackers.
Owalekan also reported that the gunmen damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry, but he managed to escape unharmed.
The police spokesman said officers of the command, working alongside operatives of the Amotekun Corps, had been deployed to the area and were combing nearby forests and escape routes in a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
He added that investigations had commenced and exhibits recovered from the scene were being analysed to aid the hunt for the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security personnel to intensify efforts to rescue the child unharmed and arrest those responsible.
The command said it is also collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
