Gunmen invaded Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Friday, injuring several residents and abducting a nine-year-old boy in an attack that left the area in fear.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m., firing gunshots and assaulting villagers, forcing many people to flee into nearby bushes and surrounding areas for safety.
Several residents reportedly suffered injuries while escaping, while the attackers were also said to have damaged buildings and destroyed property before fleeing.
The abducted child was identified as Olaosebikan Victor, the son of a well-known pastor in the community.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched a manhunt for those behind the abduction.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said the matter was reported to the police in the early hours of Friday.
“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,” he said.
“The incident was reported in the early hours of Friday, 5th June 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.
“According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents,” he added.
Jimoh said the gunmen broke into the home of the boy’s father, 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,” he said.
He added that another resident, Joel Owalekan, reported that the same attackers damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry.
“Mr. Joel Owalekan also 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 said security personnel responded immediately after receiving the distress call.
“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,” he said.
“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Investigations have commenced while relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.”
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to rescue the child and arrest those responsible.
“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 said.
“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 agencies.”
