Nine-year-old Victor Oluwatobi, who was abducted by armed men in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been reunited with his family after spending three weeks in captivity.
The young boy, whose father is a pastor in the community, regained his freedom on Sunday, June 21, 2026, following a coordinated rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
Victor was kidnapped on the night of June 5 when gunmen invaded the Ugbosi Quarters area of Idogun. During the attack, the assailants reportedly demolished two buildings while attempting to abduct a landlord who ultimately escaped.
Amid the confusion, Pastor Oluwatobi was unable to move all his children to safety, leaving Victor behind while he slept. The attackers subsequently seized the boy and fled with him.
In response to the abduction, the Ondo State Government launched a joint security operation comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.
The security teams carried out extensive search and rescue missions across forests and neighbouring communities in a sustained effort to locate the child and secure his release.
Their efforts yielded results on Sunday when Victor was rescued unharmed and successfully reunited with his family.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, praised the security agencies and all stakeholders involved in the operation for their commitment and collaboration, which led to the boy’s safe return.
