Tragedy: Bandits Destroy Houses, Kidnap Pastor’s 9-Year-old Son in Ondo -

Some bandits invaded the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, destroying two buildings and kidnapping a nine-year-old boy in the early hours of Friday.

It was gathered that the bandits entered the community at about 1am, shooting sporadically to scare residents. They reportedly destroyed two houses before picking up the victim and whisking him away to an unknown destination. The boy, identified as Oluwatobi, is said to be the son of a pastor in the community, Isaac Olaosebikan.

A source said that, on hearing the sporadic gunshots by bandits, residents of the community fled their homes and ran to neighbouring communities for safety.

Ads

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, who confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

He said, “The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected bandits who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Orders 20000 Police Recruitment

“The incident was reported in the early hours of Friday, 5th June 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun. According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.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 bandits reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac. In a desperate attempt to save his life, he 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 similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm.”

He added that personnel of the command and the Amotekun Corps had been mobilised to the scene and had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” the PPRO stated.

Jimoh also noted that investigations had commenced while relevant exhibits had been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“The Command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.”

Bandit attacks in Ondo

Bandit attacks and armed invasions in Ondo State have escalated from isolated highway kidnappings to brazen community raids. Historically a relatively peaceful region, the state has recently faced a rising wave of violence, kidnappings, and targeted killings attributed to armed bandits.

Notable incidents include:

Community Massacre (March 2025): Gunmen suspected to be bandits launched a midnight raid on four communities in Owo North (including Aba Alajidoro and Adon), killing over 20 residents.

Monarch Assassination (February 2026): Armed bandits invaded the palace of Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure North Local Government Area, and clubbed him to death.

Local Council Kidnap (April 2026): Bandits abducted the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Joseph Aladesuyi, alongside two others from a farm in Akure North.

Church Abductions (June 2026): Gunmen stormed a Celestial Church of Christ in Uso (Owo LGA) during a midnight vigil, abducting six worshippers and causing widespread panic along the Uso-Owo expressway.