The Ondo State Government has disclosed that a coordinated joint security operation has been launched in the state following the abduction of a nine-year-old boy during an attack on the Igbosi community in Idogun, Ose Local Council Area, by suspected bandits.

According to the state government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the activated emergency security response involved the Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the military.

Ajanaku disclosed that the security agencies have since commenced intensive combing operations within the community, surrounding forests, and other locations.

A nine-year-old son of a pastor was in the early hours of Friday abducted by bandits who stormed the community with the attack, marking the latest security breach in the state.

With the commissioner urging citizens, particularly residents of Ose and neighboring communities, to remain calm and be cooperative with security personnel, he appealed to members of the public to provide useful information through established security channels.

The statement partly read, “The Ondo State Government wishes to assure residents that the security situation is being closely monitored and professionally managed by relevant agencies.”

“Preliminary security measures have already been strengthened in the affected axis, while intelligence gathering and search operations are ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

“‎The administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains unwavering in its commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ondo State. The government is confident that the ongoing joint security operation will yield positive results.

“‎The Ondo State Government appreciates the swift response of all security agencies involved in the operation and calls on the good people of the state to say something when they see something, but avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, while continuing to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security throughout the state.