Fresh fears over insecurity in Ondo State deepened on Friday after suspected kidnappers invaded a community in Ose Local Government Area, destroyed residential buildings and abducted a nine-year-old boy during a midnight attack.
The victim, identified by police as Master Olaosebikan Victor, was reportedly taken away after armed men stormed Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun at about 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots and sending residents fleeing into nearby communities for safety.
Residents said the attackers moved through the community under the cover of darkness, causing panic as gunshots echoed across the area. During the operation, two buildings were reportedly vandalised and damaged before the assailants escaped with the child.
Community sources identified the victim as the son of a local pastor, Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, the incident was formally reported at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said preliminary findings indicated that the attackers forced their way into the pastor’s residence during the assault.
“In a desperate attempt to save his life, he escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men,” the police spokesperson said.
Another resident’s house was also damaged as the gunmen attempted to gain access.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps, were immediately deployed to the area following the attack. Search teams have since been combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes in an effort to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical units, intelligence operatives and anti-kidnapping squads to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the child and the arrest of the perpetrators.
Investigators have also recovered and documented exhibits from the scene as part of ongoing inquiries.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of the South-West, where residents have increasingly called for stronger security measures and improved surveillance of vulnerable communities.
Ondo authorities have repeatedly pledged to strengthen collaboration between the police, Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups to tackle criminal activities across the state.
Residents of Idogun say the attack has left many families traumatised, with some temporarily relocating to neighbouring communities out of fear.
As of Friday evening, the whereabouts of the abducted child remained unknown, while rescue efforts continued.
