Six worshippers were abducted by suspected gunmen during an early-morning service at a Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, plunging the community into fear.
The attack occurred around 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday along the Uso–Owo Expressway, according to eyewitnesses, who said assailants stormed the church while members were praying and forcibly took six worshippers to an unknown location.
The incident comes amid rising insecurity in Ondo State, following the abduction of a couple in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, just four days earlier, and the recent killing of Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, during a failed kidnapping attempt.
Confirming the attack, Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Abayomi said officers from the Ondo State Police Command, working with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately launched coordinated rescue operations.
“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued.
”Additionally, one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested and has made useful statements that are assisting ongoing investigations,” Abayomi said.
He assured residents that security operations were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend all perpetrators involved.
Authorities urged the public to remain calm and provide credible information to aid the rescue efforts.
The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Ondo State and highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities to armed attacks and kidnappings in the region.
