Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a nine-year-old boy and destroyed two houses during a late-night attack on Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of Friday, firing gunshots indiscriminately to create panic among residents before abducting the child, identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a local pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan.

Residents said the gunmen invaded the area at about 1 a.m., causing widespread fear and forcing many villagers to flee to neighbouring communities for safety.

A community source disclosed that the attackers damaged two residential buildings during the operation before escaping with the victim to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the abductors and commenced efforts to rescue the child.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m. by the victim’s father, Mr Isaac Olaosebikan, and another resident, Mr Joel Owalekan.

According to the police, the armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters at approximately 1:30 a.m., shooting sporadically and creating panic among residents.

The command stated that the attackers forced their way into the residence of Mr Olaosebikan. In an attempt to escape, he fled into a nearby bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Victor Olaosebikan, who was subsequently abducted by the assailants.

Police further disclosed that the same group allegedly attacked the residence of Mr Owalekan and damaged parts of the building while attempting to gain entry. The resident, however, escaped unharmed after fleeing the scene.

The command said security personnel, in collaboration with operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, were immediately deployed to the area and had begun a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

According to the police, operatives have been combing surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The command added that investigations are ongoing, while relevant exhibits recovered from the scene are being analysed to aid efforts to identify and track the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, , has directed tactical teams, intelligence units and other security formations within the command to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe rescue of the victim and arresting the suspects.

The police also said they are working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.