There was panic in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, after suspected gunmen stormed Ugbosi Quarters in a midnight attack, vandalised property and abducted a nine-year-old boy, identified as Olaosebikan Victor.
The incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m., reportedly threw the community into confusion as the attackers fired sporadically to scare residents before carrying out the abduction.
The victim, said to be the son of a cleric, was reportedly taken from the residence of Olaosebikan Isaac after the armed men forced their way into the compound.
Isaac was said to have fled into a nearby bush in a bid to escape the attackers, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently whisked away.
Residents, including Isaac and Joel Owalekan, later reported the incident to the police.
The assailants were also said to have damaged property belonging to Owalekan while attempting to gain access to his residence, although he escaped unharmed.
Following the attack, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that a search-and-rescue operation had been launched to secure the release of the abducted child.
Police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said operatives of the division, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving distress calls.
He said security teams combed nearby forests and suspected escape routes in an effort to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
According to him, investigations have commenced and relevant evidence has been recovered from the scene of the attack.
Abayomi added that all tactical and intelligence units had been deployed to intensify efforts toward rescuing the child unharmed and apprehending the suspects.
He assured residents that security agencies were working in synergy with local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The police spokesperson also appealed for calm, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
He encouraged anyone with credible intelligence regarding the incident or the suspects to report to the nearest police station or security agency.