By Odeh Favour Adiya
Residents of the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have been thrown into deep panic following an early morning invasion by heavily armed bandits.
The gunmen, who reportedly stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, began shooting sporadically into the air, waking up sleeping residents and forcing many to flee their homes into neighbouring communities for safety.
During the violent onslaught, the criminals forced their way into the residence of a local pastor, Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac. In a desperate bid to save his life from the ruthless attackers, the cleric managed to escape into the nearby bush, unfortunately leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor (also identified as Oluwatobi), who was subsequently abducted and whisked away to an unknown destination.
Not stopping there, the bandits also targeted the nearby home of another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan.
The armed men unlawfully damaged his building while attempting to force entry, but Mr. Owalekan similarly managed to flee the scene into safety, narrowly avoiding severe physical harm.
Confirming the ugly incident in a WhatsApp message, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, stated that the command received the report around 2:30 a.m. from both Mr. Isaac and Mr. Owalekan after the gunmen had retreated.
According to the PPRO, the command has launched an intensive manhunt and a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving personnel from the state police command and the Amotekun Corps. Security operatives have already begun combing the surrounding forests and likely escape routes to ensure the safe rescue of the little boy and the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
DSP Abayomi further noted that official investigations have fully commenced, with relevant exhibits already recovered and documented from the scene to help track down the assailants.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units, and relevant security assets to intensify their efforts. He assured the public that the command is working closely with other sister security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the victim is rescued unhurt and the criminals are brought to book.
