MIDNIGHT TERROR IN ONDO: Gunmen Storm Community, Injure Residents, Abduct Pastor’s 9-Year-Old Son

MIDNIGHT TERROR IN ONDO: Gunmen Storm Community, Injure Residents, Abduct Pastor’s 9-Year-Old Son

Residents of Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, were thrown into panic and confusion in the early hours of Friday after heavily armed gunmen launched a violent attack on the area, leaving several people injured and abducting a nine-year-old boy.

The attackers, who reportedly stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m., fired gunshots indiscriminately, forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes and surrounding communities in a desperate bid to escape the assault.

Eyewitnesses said the sound of gunfire shattered the calm of the night as the gunmen moved through the community, attacking homes, vandalising property and creating an atmosphere of fear among villagers.

Several residents sustained varying degrees of injuries while attempting to flee from the attackers, who operated for an extended period before escaping from the area.

The kidnapped victim was identified as Master Olaosebikan Victor, the nine-year-old son of a well-known pastor in the community. His abduction has sparked widespread concern among residents, who are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his immediate release.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command disclosed that it had launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators responsible for the attack and abduction.

The Command's spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Mejimoh, said the incident was formally reported to the police during the early hours of Friday.

According to him, the report was made at approximately 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun.

“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 Ido-Ani, in Ose Local Government Area of the state,” Mejimoh stated.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that at about 1:30 a.m., a group of armed men invaded the community, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic among residents.

According to the police spokesperson, the attackers specifically targeted the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac.

“During the attack, 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,” Mejimoh said.

The police further revealed that another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, also became a victim of the attack after the gunmen attempted to break into his residence.

“Mr. Joel Owalekan reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. He similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm,” the police spokesperson added.

Following the distress call, security operatives reportedly moved swiftly to the community to begin rescue efforts.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation,” Mejimoh disclosed.

Security personnel subsequently combed nearby forests and suspected escape routes in search of the abducted child and the armed suspects responsible for the attack.

The police also confirmed that investigations are ongoing, while relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical squads and intelligence units across the command to intensify operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped child and apprehending the perpetrators.

The command assured residents that all available resources and security assets are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victim.

“The Command assures residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted child. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations,” the statement read.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in rural communities where residents have repeatedly expressed fears over increasing incidents of kidnapping and violent crimes.

As security agencies continue their search operation, anxious residents of Igbosi Community remain hopeful that the abducted boy will be rescued unharmed and reunited with his family while those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.