The Ondo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy from Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Akure.
According to Jimoh, the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by two residents of the community, Mr Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr Joel Owalekan.
He said that at approximately 1:30 a.m., a group of armed men stormed the area, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.
The assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr Isaac. In an attempt to save his life, Isaac fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the gunmen.
Mr Owalekan also reported that the attackers damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. He escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.
Jimoh stated that following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer and his team, in collaboration with operatives of the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Security personnel are currently combing nearby forests and possible escape routes in a bid to rescue the child and apprehend the suspects.
The police spokesperson added that investigations had commenced, with relevant exhibits recovered and documented to aid efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.
He noted that the command was working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Jimoh assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the abducted child.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Anyone with credible information regarding the whereabouts of the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or security agency.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Yakub
