Bandits Unleash Chaos in Ondo, Kidnap Pastor’s 9-Year-Old Son and Demolish Homes
Concerns over child safety have deepened in Ondo State after armed bandits abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when gunmen reportedly stormed the Igbosi area, firing shots to create panic among residents. During the attack, the assailants destroyed two houses and kidnapped the child, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.
Residents fled their homes as the gunmen moved through the community. Many sought refuge in neighbouring settlements to escape the violence. The attack has renewed concerns about the growing vulnerability of children living in communities affected by insecurity.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, the attackers forced their way into the pastor’s residence. While the father escaped into the bush to save his life, his son was taken away by the armed men to an unknown location.
Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola said security agencies have launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation. Officers, alongside members of the Amotekun Corps, have been deployed to comb nearby forests and suspected escape routes.
Child rights advocates say incidents involving children can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars on affected persons, families, and communities. They have called for stronger measures to protect children in rural areas increasingly exposed to criminal attacks.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to rescue the child unharmed and bring those responsible to justice.
The kidnapped boy remains missing as security operations continue.
