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The Ondo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy in Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said efforts had been intensified to rescue the child and apprehend the perpetrators.
According to him, the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday by Olaosebikan Isaac and Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters.
“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,” Jimoh said.
He explained that Isaac escaped into a nearby bush in an attempt to save his life, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Victor Olaosebikan, who was subsequently abducted by the gunmen.
Jimoh added that Owalekan also reported that the attackers damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry.
“He similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm,” the police spokesperson said.
Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, alongside his men and operatives of the Amotekun Corps, mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Jimoh said security operatives were combing surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the child and arrest the kidnappers.
He added that the command was working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The spokesperson assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted boy.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.
“Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or any other security agency,” he added.
