A nine-year-old boy was abducted by suspected kidnappers during a midnight attack on residents of Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victim, identified as Victor Olaosebikan, was reportedly taken away after armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters in the community in the early hours of Friday, firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.
The Ondo State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, said the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by two residents, Mr Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr Joel Owalekan.
According to the police, the gunmen stormed the area at about 1:30 a.m., shooting sporadically as they moved through the neighbourhood.
During the attack, the assailants allegedly forced their way into the residence of Isaac. Fearing for his life, the man reportedly fled into a nearby bush, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently abducted by the attackers.
Owalekan also told security operatives that the gunmen attempted to gain entry into his residence and damaged parts of the building. He, however, escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer and personnel of the command, in collaboration with operatives of the Amotekun Corps, mobilised to the community and launched a search-and-rescue operation.
Security agents were said to have combed nearby forests and other suspected escape routes in an effort to rescue the child and track down the kidnappers.
The police said investigations had commenced, while exhibits recovered from the scene were being analysed as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical units, intelligence operatives and other security teams to intensify efforts towards the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.
According to the command, security agencies are also working with local vigilante groups and other stakeholders to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
The police appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and aid the rescue of the abducted child.
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