A nine-year-old boy abducted during a violent night raid in Ondo State has been rescued after spending three weeks in captivity, bringing relief to his family and the Idogun community.
Victor Oluwatobi, son of a local pastor, was kidnapped on June 5, 2026, when armed men stormed Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. The attackers reportedly targeted a landlord in the area, destroying two buildings during the invasion before the situation escalated.
The chaos of the night proved devastating for the family. Pastor Oluwatobi was unable to move all his children to safety in time, leaving Victor behind as he slept. The gunmen seized the opportunity and whisked the boy away.
What followed was a tense, weeks-long search that stretched across forests and surrounding communities. Security agencies intensified operations after the incident, working under a joint framework involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.
Authorities combed difficult terrain in coordinated efforts aimed at tracking the kidnappers and recovering the child alive. The operation remained largely quiet, but pressure reportedly increased on the abductors as security presence expanded across suspected routes.
That effort eventually paid off on Sunday when Victor was rescued unharmed and safely reunited with his family. Officials confirmed that the boy had not suffered physical harm during his time in captivity.
The rescue has been widely described as a result of sustained inter-agency collaboration, with security operatives maintaining pressure until the child was released.
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, confirmed the development and praised the security agencies involved. He also acknowledged the role of local contributors who supported the operation from the ground level.
The incident adds to growing concerns over rural insecurity in parts of the South-West, where communities continue to demand stronger protection and faster response systems.
