Bandits kidnap pastor’s 9-year-old son, destroy houses in Ondo attack
Bandits kidnap pastor’s 9-year-old son, destroy houses in Ondo attack
Bandits have invaded the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, destroying two buildings and abducting a nine-year-old boy in the early hours of Friday.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 1am, firing gunshots sporadically to scare residents before vandalising properties and whisking the child away to an unknown destination. The victim, identified as Oluwatobi, is the son of a pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
A resident said people fled their homes and ran to neighbouring communities for safety after hearing the gunfire.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message, saying efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators.
He said, “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, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
“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.
“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. 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.”
He added that police operatives and the Amotekun Corps have been deployed for a 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,” the PPRO stated.
He further said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has ordered intensified efforts to rescue the victim and track down the attackers, noting that investigations are ongoing.
