A nine-year-old boy abducted by gunmen in Ondo State has been reunited with his family after spending three weeks in captivity.
Victor Oluwatobi, the son of a pastor, was rescued through a joint security operation involving the military, police, Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups, according to state authorities.
The child was kidnapped after armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area, in an attack that residents said caused panic in the community.
The gunmen reportedly targeted a landlord during the raid and destroyed two buildings while attempting to abduct him. The intended victim escaped, but amid the confusion, the attackers allegedly took Victor, who had been asleep in his family’s home.
Residents said the boy’s father, Pastor Oluwatobi, managed to move some members of his family to safety but was unable to rescue the child before the attackers fled.
Following the abduction, the Ondo State Government launched a coordinated search operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, and local vigilante groups.
Security operatives carried out extensive searches across forests and neighbouring communities in efforts to locate the boy.
Their efforts eventually led to Victor’s rescue, with officials confirming that he was found unharmed and reunited with his family.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, praised the security agencies and other individuals involved in the operation.
“The successful rescue of the child demonstrates the importance of collaboration among security agencies and community stakeholders,” Mr Ajanaku said.
He also commended members of the local community and vigilante groups for supporting the operation that led to the boy’s release.
The incident has once again raised concerns over insecurity and cases of kidnapping in parts of Ondo State, with residents calling for stronger security measures to protect rural communities.
