Relief and jubilation have greeted the safe return of nine-year-old Victor Oluwatobi, the son of an Ondo pastor, who regained his freedom after spending three weeks in the hands of kidnappers.
Victor was rescued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, through a coordinated security operation and reunited with his family after a traumatic 21-day ordeal.
The young boy was abducted on the night of June 5 when armed men invaded Ugbosi Quarters in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The gunmen reportedly destroyed two buildings during the attack while attempting to kidnap a landlord, who escaped from the scene. Amid the chaos, Pastor Oluwatobi was unable to evacuate all his children to safety, leaving Victor behind as he slept.
The attackers subsequently whisked the boy away and held him captive in an undisclosed location.
Following the abduction, the Ondo State Government launched an intensive manhunt, deploying a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups.
The operatives reportedly combed forests and neighbouring communities in a relentless search for the child, culminating in his successful rescue on Sunday.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, praised the security agencies and all those who contributed to the operation.
The rescue has been widely hailed as a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against kidnapping and violent crime, with residents expressing gratitude over the safe return of the young boy.
