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

Armed bandits invaded an Ondo community, abducted a pastor’s nine-year-old son, damaged buildings, and fled. Security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to rescue the child and arrest suspects.

Suspected bandits have abducted a nine-year-old boy and damaged residential buildings during a violent attack on Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed men reportedly stormed the community, firing gunshots indiscriminately and causing panic among residents. The attackers allegedly invaded the area around 1 a.m., forcing many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

The abducted child, identified as Oluwatobi, is the son of a local cleric, Isaac Olaosebikan. Community sources said the assailants damaged two residential buildings during the operation before taking the boy to an unknown location.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that security agencies had launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers and were working to secure the child’s release.

According to Ayanlade, the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by Isaac Olaosebikan and another resident, Joel Owalekan. Preliminary investigations revealed that the armed men invaded the community around 1:30 a.m., shooting sporadically and throwing residents into confusion.

He explained that the attackers forced their way into the residence of Olaosebikan. In an attempt to save his life, the cleric escaped into a nearby bush, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men.

Ayanlade also stated that Owalekan reported that the same group attempted to break into his residence and vandalised parts of the building. He escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.

The police spokesperson noted that operatives of the command, working alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, had been deployed to the area and had commenced a coordinated rescue operation. Security teams are currently combing nearby forests and possible escape routes in a bid to rescue the child and apprehend those responsible.

He added that investigations were ongoing and that exhibits recovered from the scene were being examined to aid the search for the suspects. The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to rescue the victim unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice.