Panic has gripped the residents of Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State following a violent invasion by armed bandits in the early hours of Friday, June 5, 2026.
The attackers, who stormed the Ugbosi Quarters at approximately 1:30 a.m., shot sporadically into the air to terrorize the neighborhood.
By the time the assault was over, two residential buildings had been severely damaged, and a nine-year-old boy abducted and whisked away to an unknown destination.
The abducted minor has been identified as Master Olaosebikan Victor, the son of a local clergyman, Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac.
According to local sources and police reports, the armed men forcefully breached the clergyman’s residence during the raid.
In a desperate bid to survive the onslaught, Mr. Isaac managed to escape into the nearby bush under the cover of darkness, but his young son was unfortunately captured and taken hostage by the fleeing bandits.
A neighboring resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, also fell victim to the attackers, who unlawfully destroyed parts of his house while attempting to gain entry.
Like the pastor, Mr. Owalekan was forced to flee into the surrounding wilderness to save his life. The heavy gunfire triggered widespread panic across the community, prompting scores of terrified residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in neighboring villages.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, confirmed the incident, stating that a formal report was lodged by the victims at around 2:30 a.m.
DSP Abayomi assured the public that the command has already launched a massive, intensive manhunt for the perpetrators.
Relevant exhibits have been recovered from the crime scene and documented as part of an ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the violent breach.
To ensure a swift resolution, a joint security team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Amotekun Corps has been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and potential escape routes.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units, and local vigilante groups to intensify their efforts to rescue the nine-year-old boy unhurt and bring the criminals to justice.
