The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed an attack by bandits on the Idogun Ido-Ani community in Ose Local Government Area, during which a nine-year-old boy was abducted. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday at Ugbosi quarters, when armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.
According to a statement by the police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, the gunmen forced their way into the residence of Pastor Olaosebikan Isaac. In a desperate attempt to save his life, Isaac fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Victor Olaosebikan. The gunmen then abducted the boy after failing to reach the father.
Mr. Jimoh stated that the police have commenced an intensive manhunt for the suspected kidnappers. Upon receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his team, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilized to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” Jimoh said. He added that an investigation has commenced, and relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units, and other security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators. The command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the criminals are brought to justice.
Mr. Jimoh assured 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,” he added. “Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency.”
State Government Reacts
The Ondo State Government has expressed deep concern over the attack on the Igbosi Community and the abduction of the nine-year-old boy. It called for calm, stating that security agencies are on top of the situation.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, the government said: “Immediately the government was informed of the development, a coordinated security response was activated. Personnel of the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military were mobilised and have since commenced intensive combing operations within the community, the surrounding forests, and other strategic locations within and beyond the area of the incident.”
The statement assured residents that the security situation is being closely monitored and professionally managed by relevant agencies. Preliminary security measures have been strengthened in the affected axis, while intelligence gathering and search operations are ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
The government urged citizens, particularly residents of Ose Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security personnel. Members of the public are encouraged to provide useful information through established security channels.
The statement noted that the state government remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State. “Government is confident that the ongoing joint security operation will yield positive results,” it said.
The incident comes a day after Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, warned that the delay in approving state police was compounding insecurity in the South-west. Afenifere had promoted the establishment of state police as a strategy to address ongoing nationwide insecurity.
