Panic swept through the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State after armed men invaded the community in the early hours of Friday, abducting a nine-year-old boy and destroying two buildings during the attack.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community around 1am, firing gunshots sporadically to create fear and force people indoors before carrying out the operation.
The abducted child, identified as Oluwatobi, is reportedly the son of a pastor in the area, Isaac Olaosebikan.
The attackers were also said to have vandalised two houses before fleeing with the victim to an unknown destination.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many villagers escaped into neighbouring communities after hearing continuous gunfire from different parts of the settlement.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said a coordinated manhunt had commenced to rescue the child and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement that the incident was formally reported at about 2:30am on Friday by the father of the abducted boy and another resident, Joel Owalekan.
According to the police, the armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun at about 1:30am and began shooting indiscriminately, causing widespread panic among residents.
The command stated that the gunmen forced their way into the residence of Olaosebikan.
In an attempt to save his life, the pastor reportedly fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was later abducted by the attackers.
Police further revealed that another resident, Joel Owalekan, also had his residence damaged while the armed men attempted to gain entry into the building.
He was said to have escaped unharmed after fleeing the area.
The command added that operatives of the police and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, had been deployed to the community to begin a search-and-rescue operation.
Security personnel were said to have combed nearby forests and possible escape routes in efforts to locate the abducted boy and apprehend the suspects.
The police also disclosed that investigations had commenced into the incident, while relevant exhibits had been recovered from the scene to aid efforts at tracking down the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, was said to have directed tactical squads, intelligence units and other security formations within the command to intensify operations aimed at rescuing the victim unhurt.
According to the command, collaboration has also been strengthened with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the attackers are arrested and brought to justice.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in communities within Ose Local Government Area, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over attacks linked to kidnappers and armed gangs.
