Ondo Church Kidnapping: Six Worshippers Abducted

Six worshippers have been abducted by gunmen during a night service at a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) parish in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The attackers reportedly struck around 12:50 a.m. while members of the church were engaged in an early-morning prayer session. Residents reported that the assailants fired sporadically to disperse people before whisking away the victims to an unknown destination.

Police Confirm Abduction and Initial Rescue

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that operatives were immediately deployed to the area following a distress call. “Upon receiving the report at about 12:50 a.m., operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Abayomi said.

He disclosed that security forces have made progress in their response, successfully rescuing one of the abducted worshippers and arresting a suspect in connection with the attack. “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,” he added.

Ongoing Efforts and Heightened Concerns

The police spokesperson assured the public that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other members of the gang. “Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,” he reiterated.

This latest abduction comes barely four days after gunmen reportedly kidnapped a couple at Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area, further heightening security concerns in parts of the state. Abayomi urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information. “Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations,” he stated.