Bandits Destroy Houses, Abduct Pastor’s Son in Ondo Community

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 buildings and abducted a nine-year-old boy.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 1 a.m., firing sporadically to instill fear among residents. During the attack, two houses were vandalised, while the abductors whisked away the victim, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, the son of a local pastor, Mr. Isaac Olaosebikan.

Sources in the community said residents fled into nearby communities and surrounding bushes for safety as gunshots echoed through the area.

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

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by the victim’s father and another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan.

According to the police, the armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters at about 1:30 a.m., shooting indiscriminately and causing panic among residents.

Ayanlade explained that the attackers forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan. The pastor reportedly escaped into the bush to save his life, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently abducted by the gunmen.

He added that another resident, Mr. Owalekan, reported that the assailants damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry before he also escaped.

The police spokesman disclosed that operatives of the command, alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, had been deployed to the area and had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“Security operatives have combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical teams and intelligence units to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.

The command said investigations were ongoing and assured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.