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, son of a local pastor, was rescued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, through the coordinated efforts of security agencies and has since been 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 while attempting to abduct a landlord, who managed to escape.

Amid the chaos, the boy’s father was unable to evacuate all his children to safety, leaving Victor behind as he slept. The gunmen subsequently whisked him away and held him captive.

Following the incident, the Ondo State Government launched a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.

Security operatives carried out extensive search operations across forests and neighbouring communities, leading to the successful rescue of the boy on Sunday.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, Idowu Ajanaku, commended the security personnel and all those involved in securing the child’s safe return.