Gunmen abduct nine-year-old boy in midnight raid on Ondo community
By Boye Oyeyemi
Panic gripped residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Friday after suspected kidnappers invaded the community and abducted a nine-year-old boy during a midnight attack.
The victim, identified as Master Olaosebikan Victor, was reportedly whisked away by the armed assailants after they stormed the area at about 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots and causing residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday, disclosing that the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by the victim’s father, Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac, and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan.
According to the police, the gunmen forcefully gained access to Isaac’s residence during the operation. In an effort to save his life, the father reportedly escaped into a nearby bush, leaving his son behind.
“The assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac. In a desperate attempt to save his life, he escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men,” the statement said.
The command further revealed that the attackers also targeted the residence of Owalekan, damaging parts of the building while attempting to gain entry. However, he managed to escape unharmed after fleeing the scene.
Following the distress call, security operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the child and apprehend the kidnappers.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, directed tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to secure the victim’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the suspects.
