The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a nine-year-old boy at Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the command, who made this known in a statement on Friday in Akure, said that the command had commenced an investigation into the abduction.
According to Jimoh, the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m on Friday by Mr Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.
“According to their reports, at approximately 1:30a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.
“During the attack, the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr Olaosebikan Isaac.
“In a desperate attempt to save his life, he(Isaac) escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men.
“Mr Joel Owalekan also reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry.
“He(Owalekan) similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm,” the command spokesperson disclosed.
Jimoh said that upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
He said that security operatives were currently combing the forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child unhurt and arrest the perpetrators.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations,” he said.
