Police launch intensive manhunt as pastor’s son abducted in Ose LGA attack
Armed gunmen have abducted a nine-year-old boy and destroyed two buildings during a midnight attack on Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, sparking renewed security concerns in the region.
According to a report by PUNCH, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 am on Friday, 5 June 2026, when a group of armed assailants stormed the community, firing gunshots indiscriminately. The abducted child, identified as Victor Olaosebikan (also known as Oluwatobi), is the nine-year-old son of Pastor Isaac Olaosebikan, a resident of the community.
The attack
The gunmen forcefully entered Pastor Isaac Olaosebikan’s residence. In a desperate bid to save his life, the pastor escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son who was subsequently abducted by the armed men.
Another resident, Mr. Joel Owalekan, also suffered during the attack. The assailants damaged his residence whilst attempting to gain entry. Owalekan managed to escape to safety by fleeing the scene during the initial gunfire.
Upon hearing the sporadic gunshots, other residents of Ugbosi Quarters fled their homes and scattered to neighbouring communities for safety, creating panic in the area. The gunmen then retreated with the child to an unknown destination.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed receipt of the distress report at approximately 2:30 am on Friday when Pastor Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan reported the incident to authorities.
Police Response
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed receipt of the distress report at midnight on Friday when the Pastor and Mr. Joel reported the incident to authorities.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, confirmed the kidnapping:
“The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers 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.”
Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer and tactical teams from the Ondo State Police Command were immediately mobilised to the scene. The police coordinated with operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to launch a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation.
Security operatives combed surrounding forests and likely escape routes to locate the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators. Local vigilante groups also joined the search efforts, providing crucial knowledge of terrain and community access points.
Investigations and Directives
Investigations have commenced into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Relevant exhibits have been recovered and documented to determine what occurred and track down those responsible.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, issued a direct order to intensify rescue efforts:
“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 working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Broader Context
The kidnapping comes within days of major coordinated school abductions in Oyo and Borno states that resulted in 88 people being kidnapped. The Ondo incident demonstrates that armed criminal gangs are willing to strike at any time and location, creating a climate of fear across affected communities.
As of the latest reports, Victor Olaosebikan remains in the custody of unknown assailants. His exact location and condition are not yet known. The Ondo State Police Command urges the public to provide any information that may assist in locating the kidnapped child and identifying the perpetrators.
