Gunmen invade Ondo village, kidnap nine-year-old boy

Armed men attacked Igbosi in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, early Friday morning. They injured residents and kidnapped a nine-year-old boy, causing panic in the community.

The kidnapped boy is Olaosebikan Victor, the son of a pastor in the area. Residents told Punch that the attackers arrived around 1:30 a.m., shooting guns and forcing people to run into nearby bushes and other communities for safety.

The attackers hurt several people during the raid and damaged buildings while trying to break into homes.

AbdulAzeez Adewuyi, a relative of the victim's family living in Akure, the Ondo State capital, confirmed the news to PREMIUM TIMES. He said family members from the affected community had moved temporarily to a relative’s house in Owo.

“We heard about the attack and contacted our three family members there. Thank God they are safe now. They have gone to a relative’s house in Owo,” Mr. Adewuyi said.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday. They said they have started an investigation and are working hard to rescue the kidnapped boy and catch the kidnappers.

Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh, a deputy superintendent of police, told PREMIUM TIMES by phone that they received the report soon after the attack. He said they have begun looking into it.

“Police and local security teams are currently doing their job and making every effort to arrest the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted child,” he said.

This attack raises more worries about security in the South-West. Many people are scared due to the rise in kidnappings and assaults on communities.

This incident follows the kidnapping of about 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State three weeks ago. That event caused a lot of anger and discussions about safety in schools and security in the region.

Security experts have warned that if the frequent kidnappings and attacks on communities in the South-West are not addressed, it could increase public fear and weaken trust in current security measures.