Armed men stormed Igbosi in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Friday, injuring residents and abducting a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack that plunged the community into panic. The abducted child, identified as Olaosebikan Victor, is the son of a pastor in the community.
According to reports, the assailants arrived at about 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes and surrounding communities for safety. The attackers injured several residents and damaged buildings while attempting to forcefully enter homes.
AbdulAzeez Adewuyi, a relative of the victim's family residing in Akure, the Ondo State capital, confirmed the incident. He stated that family members in the affected community had temporarily relocated to a relative's residence in Owo. "We heard about the attack and contacted our three family members there. Thank God they are safe now. They have gone to a relative's house in Owo," Mr Adewuyi said.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Ondo State Police Command announced that it had launched an investigation and intensified efforts to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the kidnappers. Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh, a deputy superintendent of police, told reporters in a phone call that the incident was reported shortly after the attack and that investigation has commenced. "Police and local security teams are currently doing their job and making every effort to arrest the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted child," he said.
Growing Insecurity in South-West
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the South-West, where incidents of kidnapping and attacks on communities have heightened fears among residents. This development comes three weeks after the abduction of about 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. That incident triggered widespread outrage and debates over school safety and insecurity in the region.
Security Experts Warn
Security experts have repeatedly warned that the increasing frequency of kidnappings and attacks on communities across the South-West could deepen public anxiety and undermine confidence in existing security measures if not decisively addressed. The police have called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
