A nine-year-old boy, Victor Oluwatobi, who was abducted by gunmen in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has regained his freedom after spending three weeks in captivity.
The child, who is the son of a local pastor, was rescued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, through a coordinated operation involving security agencies and was subsequently reunited with his family.
Victor was kidnapped on June 5, 2026, when armed men reportedly invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun. During the attack, the assailants allegedly destroyed two buildings while attempting to abduct a landlord, who managed to escape.
Amid the chaos, Pastor Oluwatobi was unable to evacuate all his children to safety, leaving the young boy behind as he slept. The gunmen then reportedly abducted him and took him into captivity.
Following the incident, the Ondo State Government launched a joint security operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups. The security teams carried out extensive search and rescue efforts across forests and neighbouring communities in a bid to secure the boy’s freedom.
The operation yielded results on Sunday when Victor was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family after three weeks in captivity.
Confirming the development, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the security operatives and all those who contributed to the successful rescue mission. He praised their commitment and collaboration in ensuring the safe return of the child.
