Abducted Ondo pastor’s 9-year-old son regains freedom after 3 weeks in captivity

A nine-year-old boy, Victor Oluwatobi, who was abducted by gunmen in Idogu , Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has regained his freedom after spending three weeks in captivity.

The child, son of a local pastor, was safely rescued on Sunday, June 21, 2026 through the coordinated efforts of security agencies and reunited with his family.

Victor was kidnapped on the night of June 5, 2026, when armed men stormed Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun.

The attackers reportedly destroyed two buildings during the invasion in an attempt to abduct a landlord, who managed to escape.

In the ensuing chaos, Pastor Oluwatobi was unable to evacuate all his children to safety, leaving the young boy behind as he slept.

The assailants subsequently whisked him away and held him captive.

Following the incident, the Ondo State Government mobilised a joint security operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.

The security teams reportedly conducted extensive search operations across forests and surrounding communities in a determined effort to secure the child’s release.

Their efforts paid off on Sunday when the boy was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.

Confirming the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the security operatives and all individuals who played various roles in the successful rescue operation.