Gunmen abduct boy, 9, vandalise houses in Ondo

By Adetokunbo Abiola

Armed men in the early hours of Friday invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducted a nine-year-old boy and damaged residential buildings.

Operatives of the police command and Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps,  launched a search-and-rescue operation after the attack.

The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, directed tactical units, intelligence operatives and other security formations within the command to intensify efforts towards rescuing the child and arresting the kidnappers.

The command stated that it was collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators were tracked down and brought to justice, while assuring residents that all available resources were being deployed to secure the safe release of the victim.

According to sources, the assailants stormed the community, situated along Imeri Road, at about 1:30 a.m., firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.

The attackers reportedly broke into the residence of a church pastor,  Mr Olaosebikan Isaac,  who in a desperate bid to escape, fled into a nearby bush, leaving his son behind.

The boy was thereafter seized and taken away by the gunmen, who were said to have vandalised two buildings and assaulted another resident, Mr Joel Owalekan.

The latter escaped unhurt, after having fled, when the attackers attempted to force their way into his home, but later reported the incident to the police around 2:30 a.m., alongside Isaac.

Security personnel subsequently combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in an effort to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Police authorities disclosed that investigations had commenced, adding that exhibits recovered from the scene had been documented to aid efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.