Armed bandits have abducted a nine-year-old boy and destroyed two houses during a violent attack on the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, firing sporadically to scare residents before vandalising properties and kidnapping the victim, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.

According to sources in the community, the gunshots triggered panic among residents, forcing many to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said the attack was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, explained that the armed men invaded the area around 1:30 a.m., shooting indiscriminately and creating fear among residents.

According to the police, the assailants forced their way into the residence of Pastor Isaac Olaosebikan. In an attempt to save his life, the cleric escaped into a nearby bush, leaving behind his son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the attackers.

Another resident, Joel Owalekan, reportedly escaped unharmed after the gunmen damaged his residence while attempting to gain access.

The police spokesperson disclosed that operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, working alongside members of the Amotekun Corps, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Security personnel have since combed surrounding forests and possible escape routes in a bid to rescue the kidnapped child and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The command also confirmed that investigations have commenced, while relevant exhibits recovered from the scene are being examined to aid efforts to track down the perpetrators.

Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security formations to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects.

The police further assured residents that they are collaborating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the kidnappers are brought to justice.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in communities bordering forested areas that have increasingly come under threat from kidnappers and other criminal elements.

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Panic swept through Ayegunle Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State after suspected bandits attacked the area, killing one person and abducting more than 30 others.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 2:25 a.m., leaving residents in fear and raising fresh concerns over insecurity along major road corridors in the state.

One Killed, Several Abducted

According to preliminary reports, one person lost his life during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention.

Sources within the community disclosed that two residents of Ayegunle Bunu, a man and a woman, were among those abducted by the attackers.

The majority of the victims were reportedly passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen while passing through the area.

Witnesses said the attackers forcefully whisked the passengers away into the bush before fleeing the scene.

Police Confirm Attack

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, confirmed the incident while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja.

Kankarofi said investigations into the attack were ongoing and assured residents that security operatives had launched efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The police commissioner stated that security personnel have intensified operations in the area as part of efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities across the state and restoring confidence among residents and road users.

Growing Security Concerns

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry affecting communities and travellers across parts of Kogi State.

Residents have called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols along vulnerable routes to prevent further attacks.

The incident also highlights the growing threat posed by armed groups targeting rural communities and commercial transport corridors in the North-Central region.

Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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The terrorist group Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government over hundreds of abducted persons in Borno State.

In a video released on Monday, the group warned against any attempt to rescue the victims through military action, stating that such a move could complicate efforts to secure their release.

The insurgents claimed responsibility for the abduction of over 400 individuals, including women and children, and indicated that the victims could be relocated if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.

Although the full details of their demands were not disclosed in the video, local sources involved in mediation efforts said the group had earlier requested a ransom running into billions of naira.

The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English, also suggested the group is prepared for confrontation if authorities pursue a forceful rescue operation.

President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed that communication had been established with the insurgents during ongoing mediation efforts.

He called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Kaigama appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to prioritise efforts aimed at resolving the situation.

Security analysts say the development highlights the persistent security challenges in the North-East region and underscores the need for coordinated intelligence and rescue strategies.

The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.

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