GUNMEN have kidnapped a nine-year-old boy following a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun Ido-Ani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, threw the community into panic as armed assailants reportedly invaded the area and fired sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Kazeem, said the attack took place at about 1:30 a.m.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the police spokesperson, the armed men stormed the community and unleashed terror on residents before abducting the child.
“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,” the statement read.
The police further disclosed that another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, also came under attack during the invasion.
“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,” Kazeem stated.
Following the distress report, security operatives moved swiftly into action.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilized to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation,” the statement added.
Kazeem said security personnel have since intensified efforts to locate the abducted child and apprehend those behind the attack.
According to him, operatives have been combing surrounding forests and likely escape routes in an effort to rescue the victim and track down the kidnappers.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that investigations into the incident have commenced, while exhibits recovered from the scene have been documented as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
He noted that the recovered items would aid investigators in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units, intelligence teams and other relevant security assets of the command to intensify operations aimed at rescuing the abducted boy and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“The Command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice,” Kazeem said.
“The Command assures residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted child.”
He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support ongoing security efforts by volunteering useful information that could assist investigators.
“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 police spokesperson stated.