Bandits Kidnap Pastor’s Son, Destroy Homes in Ondo Midnight Raid

Residents of Igbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after suspected bandits invaded the community, destroyed two houses, and abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack.

The victim, identified as Master Oluwatobi (Victor) Olaosebikan, is the son of a local pastor, Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan, who narrowly escaped being kidnapped after fleeing into a nearby bush when the attackers stormed the area.

Sources said the armed men invaded the community at about 1:00 a.m., firing sporadically to terrorise residents and force them out of their homes.

The assailants reportedly vandalised two residential buildings before abducting the young boy and whisking him away to an unknown destination.

The attack triggered widespread panic, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities in search of safety.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers and commenced efforts to rescue the victim.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the incident was formally reported to the police at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan.

According to the police, the attackers forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan. While attempting to save his life, the pastor escaped into the surrounding forest, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently abducted by the gunmen.

Mr. Owalekan also reported that the same group of attackers damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. He similarly escaped by fleeing the area.

"The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state," the police spokesperson stated.

The command further revealed that police operatives, in collaboration with personnel of the Amotekun Corps, were immediately deployed to the community and have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Security teams have since been combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the child and apprehend the perpetrators.

The police added that investigations are ongoing, while relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, directed all tactical units, intelligence teams, and other security formations to intensify efforts towards the safe rescue of the abducted child and the arrest of those responsible.

The command also disclosed that it is working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in rural communities where residents continue to face threats from kidnappers and armed criminal gangs.