Gunmen attack Ondo community, abduct pastor’s 9-year-old son

Bandits attacked the Idogun Ido-Ani community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, early Friday morning, abducting a nine-year-old boy. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when armed assailants invaded the community, firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.

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Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.

The gunmen forced their way into the residence of Pastor Olaosebikan Isaac. The pastor managed to escape into the bush, but his nine-year-old son, Victor Olaosebikan, was taken by the attackers when they could not locate the father. The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the attack and the abduction.

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The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators.

In response, the police, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilized to the scene. A coordinated search-and-rescue operation has been initiated, with security operatives combing surrounding forests and potential escape routes. The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical teams and intelligence units to intensify efforts for the child's swift and safe return and to apprehend the perpetrators.

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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 Ondo State Government has expressed deep concern over the incident and urged residents to remain calm. Security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the military, have been deployed to conduct extensive combing operations. The government assured the public that security agencies are actively working to resolve the situation and bring the criminals to justice.

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Immediately the government was informed of the development, a coordinated security response was activated. Personnel of the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military were mobilised and have since commenced intensive combing operations within the community, the surrounding forests, and other strategic locations within and beyond the area of the incident.