- Armed men stormed the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, abducting six worshippers during an early morning service
- The Ondo State Police Command said it launched a coordinated rescue effort with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, securing the release of one victim
- The attack followed recent kidnappings and the killing of a traditional ruler in Ondo State, heightening fears over rising insecurity in the region
Gunmen have abducted six worshippers at the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday during a church service, heightening concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the state. According to police authorities, the incident took place at approximately 12:50am on 25 February, when armed men reportedly stormed the church premises and whisked away six congregants to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives had launched a coordinated rescue operation shortly after receiving the report.
“Upon receiving the report, the operatives of the Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” he said.
Mr Jimoh disclosed that sustained joint efforts by security agencies had already yielded results, with one of the abducted worshippers successfully rescued. He did not provide further details about the circumstances of the rescue or the condition of the victim, but assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining five captives and apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest abduction comes amid a spate of violent incidents in Ondo State. Just four days earlier, gunmen kidnapped a couple at Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, underscoring growing fears among residents about their safety.
In a separate attack that further shocked the state, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure North LGA, was recently shot dead after gunmen reportedly invaded his palace.
The succession of attacks has prompted calls for intensified security measures across the state, particularly in rural communities where criminal gangs are believed to operate with relative ease.
Police authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious movements to the nearest security agency. They also reassured residents that joint patrols involving the police, military and local vigilantes would be strengthened to prevent further attacks.
Ondo State, like several other parts of Nigeria, has in recent months grappled with incidents of kidnapping, banditry and targeted killings, posing fresh challenges for law enforcement agencies.