Ondo pastor’s son regains freedom from kidnappers after three weeks

By Boye Oyeyemi

A nine-year-old boy, Victor Oluwatobi, who was abducted by gunmen in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been rescued after spending about three weeks in captivity.

Western Post reports that the boy, who is the son of a pastor, was kidnapped during an attack on Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun on June 5, 2026.

On the day of his abduction, assailants reportedly stormed the community at midnight and damaged two buildings while attempting to abduct the landlords, who managed to escape.

However, the kidnappers seized the sleeping child after his father, Pastor Oluwatobi, was unable to evacuate all his children during the invasion.

Following the incident, security agencies launched a coordinated search operation across forests and surrounding areas to secure the victim’s release.

The Ondo State Government therefore mobilised personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force. Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups, in intensive searches throughout the period of the boy’s captivity.

The child was eventually rescued on Sunday and safely reunited with his family, bringing relief to residents of the community.

Confirming the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the security operatives and all individuals who contributed to the successful rescue, while residents also praised the state government’s efforts.