Armed men kidnap 9-year-old child of religious leader in Ondo

A brazen abduction has shaken the community of Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, where suspected gunmen made off with a nine-year-old boy, Olaosebikan Victor, during a midnight attack. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. and was swiftly reported to the authorities by residents Olaosebikan Isaac and Joel Owalekan.

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The armed assailants launched a violent assault on the community, firing shots indiscriminately and sowing panic among residents, before forcing their way into the residence of Olaosebikan Isaac.

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In a desperate bid to escape the hail of bullets, Isaac fled into a nearby bush, inadvertently leaving his son, Victor, behind, who was then seized by the gunmen.

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The suspects also targeted a building belonging to Joel Owalekan, vandalising it in their attempt to gain entry, although Owalekan managed to escape unscathed.

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In response to the incident, the Ondo State Police Command's spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, revealed that the Divisional Police Officer and his team, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, rapidly mobilised to the area and initiated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

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Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to rescue the child and apprehend the perpetrators, with Abayomi confirming that investigations had commenced and relevant exhibits recovered from the scene.

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According to Abayomi, all tactical teams, intelligence units, and other relevant security assets have been instructed to intensify their efforts towards the immediate rescue of the victim unharmed and the arrest of the perpetrators.

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The police command is working in close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the suspects are brought to justice, with Abayomi assuring residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted child.

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Abayomi urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information, and encouraged anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency.