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Residents of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have been thrown into panic after armed bandits invaded the community in the early hours of Friday, destroying houses and abducting the nine-year-old son of a local pastor. According to reports, the attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. when heavily armed men stormed the Ugbosi Quarters area, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Police sources disclosed that the gunmen specifically targeted the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac, a pastor in the community. In a desperate attempt to escape, the cleric reportedly ran into the surrounding bush, but his nine-year-old son, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, was left behind and subsequently taken away by the attackers. Another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, also reported that the same gang vandalised his house while trying to gain entry, leaving parts of the property severely damaged. The Ondo State Police Command has since launched a manhunt for the kidnappers and intensified search-and-rescue operations in collaboration with local vigilante groups.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the worsening security situation in Ondo State, where cases of kidnapping and armed attacks have become increasingly frequent in recent months. Earlier this year, gunmen abducted worshippers during a night service in Owo Local Government Area, while several communities have reported attacks linked to criminal gangs operating from nearby forests. Security analysts warn that the spread of kidnapping into more communities across southern Nigeria reflects a troubling expansion of a crime wave that was once largely concentrated in the northern part of the country.
Community leaders have called on both the Ondo State Government and federal security agencies to strengthen security presence in vulnerable rural areas and improve intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks. Residents say fear has gripped the community since the incident, with many families abandoning their homes temporarily. As police continue efforts to rescue the abducted child and apprehend those responsible, locals have urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent another tragedy and restore confidence in the safety of the area.
