Gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday stormed a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during a prayer session.
The attackers reportedly invaded the church around 12:50 a.m., disrupting the service and whisking away the victims to an unknown destination. The incident has further deepened security concerns in the state, coming just days after a couple was kidnapped in Ilu-Abo community in Akure North LGA.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, said security operatives immediately swung into action upon receiving the report.
“Operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” he stated.
Abayomi disclosed that one of the abducted worshippers has been rescued through sustained joint efforts, while a suspect connected to the crime has been apprehended. He added that the suspect is providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
He assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of the remaining victims and to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to support security operations by sharing credible intelligence.
The latest abduction adds to the growing wave of attacks in parts of Ondo State, raising fresh concerns over safety in the region. Owo is the same local government that witnessed the gruesome killing of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in 2022.