AKURE, ONDO STATE — Suspected bandits have attacked Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, destroying several houses and abducting the nine-year-old son of a pastor during the violent raid.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community, causing panic as they vandalised properties and set parts of the area into chaos before abducting the child and fleeing to an unknown destination.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents over the growing threat of insecurity in rural communities, with many calling for increased security presence and urgent intervention by authorities.
Community sources disclosed that the abducted boy is the son of a local pastor and was taken during the attack despite efforts by residents to prevent the kidnappers from carrying out their plan. The whereabouts of the child remain unknown as of the time of reporting.
The attack reportedly left several buildings damaged, with affected families counting their losses following the destruction of homes and other property. Some residents were said to have fled temporarily for fear of further attacks.
Security agencies have since launched efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted child. Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured residents that measures are being taken to rescue the victim unharmed.
According to security officials, operatives have intensified search-and-rescue operations in and around the affected area while gathering intelligence that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
The latest incident adds to concerns over recurring cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of the country, particularly in rural communities where residents often face challenges related to inadequate security coverage.
Community leaders have appealed to the government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and deploy additional personnel to vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
Security experts note that attacks targeting children and families have become a growing concern, underscoring the need for improved intelligence gathering, rapid response mechanisms, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
As efforts to rescue the nine-year-old continue, residents of Idogun have expressed hope that the victim will be safely returned while urging authorities to ensure that those behind the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
