Gunmen stormed Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State in a midnight raid on Friday. They abducted nine-year-old Victor Olaosebikan during the attack.
Residents said the armed men opened fire as they invaded the settlement. Two buildings suffered damage in the assault.
Victor's father is a pastor in the community. According to witnesses, the man fled into nearby bushland to escape the attackers.
In his haste to save himself, he couldn't protect his son. The gunmen seized Victor and vanished into the night.
Another resident, Joel Owalekan, also came under attack. His home was damaged when the gunmen tried to break in.
Owalekan managed to escape unharmed by running away. Police received distress calls at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, confirmed receiving the report. He said officers responded immediately to the emergency.
"Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the scene," Jimoh told journalists. "A coordinated search-and-rescue operation was launched right away."
Security teams spread out across surrounding forests looking for the boy. They also checked likely escape routes used by the attackers.
Investigators have started gathering evidence from the crime scene. Officers documented items recovered during the search operation.
The police spokesman noted that inquiries are ongoing to identify the gunmen. He appealed to the public for assistance in locating Victor.
"Anyone with credible information about the abducted child or the suspects should report to the nearest police station," Jimoh said. "All tips will be treated seriously and investigated promptly."
Local vigilante groups joined the search efforts throughout Saturday. Amotekun operatives intensified patrols in surrounding communities and forests.
Residents remain on high alert following the brazen attack. Fear has gripped the once-peaceful settlement since the incident.
Search teams continued combing the bush as of Saturday afternoon. Hope remains that Victor will be found alive and safe.
