A nine-year-old boy, Victor Olaosebikan, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers during a midnight attack on Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ido-Ani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed men invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.
Police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of the affected community.
According to the police, the attackers stormed the area at about 1:30 a.m., shooting into the air as residents fled their homes for safety.
During the invasion, the gunmen reportedly broke into the residence of Isaac, forcing him to escape into a nearby bush. His son, Victor, was however abducted in the process.
Another resident, Owalekan, also reported that the assailants damaged parts of his residence while attempting to force entry. He escaped unhurt.
Jimoh said upon receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in the area mobilised officers in collaboration with operatives of the Amotekun Corps for a coordinated response.
He added that security operatives immediately combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in a search-and-rescue operation aimed at rescuing the abducted child and apprehending the perpetrators.
Investigations, he said, have commenced, with relevant exhibits recovered and documented to aid tracking of those responsible.
The police assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to secure the victim’s release, while urging the public to remain calm, vigilant, and provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
