Suspected kidnappers have abducted a nine-year-old boy during a midnight attack on Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, forcing residents to flee their homes in fear.

The victim, identified as Master Olaosebikan Victor, is the son of a pastor and resident of the community.

Residents told journalists that the attack occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday when heavily armed men invaded the area along the Imeri Road axis, firing gunshots sporadically and creating panic among villagers.

The assailants were also reported to have damaged at least two residential buildings during the operation before escaping with the child.

The attack threw the community into confusion as many residents abandoned their homes and ran into nearby bushes to avoid being caught by the gunmen.

Community vigilantes and operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, immediately launched a pursuit of the attackers through surrounding forests in a bid to rescue the victim.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had commenced an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers and deployed security personnel to track down the perpetrators.

According to the police, the incident was formally reported at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters.

Police investigations revealed that the armed men stormed the community at about 1:30 a.m. and forcefully entered the residence of Mr. Isaac.

In an attempt to save his life, the father reportedly escaped into a nearby bush, leaving behind his son who was subsequently abducted by the attackers.

Mr. Owalekan also told investigators that the same group of gunmen vandalised his residence while attempting to gain access to the building, but he escaped unharmed after fleeing the area.

Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, alongside his men and personnel of the Amotekun Corps, mobilised to the community and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Security operatives combed nearby forests and suspected escape routes in an effort to locate the abducted child and apprehend the kidnappers.

The police disclosed that investigations had commenced and that relevant exhibits recovered from the scene were being analysed to assist in tracking the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical squads, intelligence units and other security formations within the command to intensify efforts aimed at securing the immediate rescue of the child and bringing those responsible to justice.

The command said it is also collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to strengthen ongoing operations in the area.

“The Command assures residents that every available resource is being deployed towards the safe rescue of the abducted child and the arrest of the perpetrators,” the police said.

Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant and to provide any useful information that may assist security agencies in their investigations.

As of the time of filing this report, no contact had reportedly been established between the abductors and the victim’s family, while security operations remained ongoing.