Gunmen Storm Church in Ondo, Abduct Six Worshippers

Gunmen Storm Church in Ondo, Abduct Six Worshippers

Gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday invaded a parish of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during a church service.

The attack reportedly occurred around 12:50 a.m. while members were holding an early-morning prayer session.

The latest abduction came barely four days after gunmen kidnapped a couple at Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area, heightening security concerns across the state.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Jimoh Abayomi, said operatives swiftly launched a joint rescue operation.

“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 victims had been rescued through sustained efforts by security agencies.

“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 said.

He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining worshippers and apprehend all those involved in the attack.

“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,” the police spokesperson added.

The police urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information.

“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations,” Abayomi said.

The attack adds to the growing wave of insecurity in Ondo State since the beginning of the year, with several communities recording cases of kidnapping and armed assaults.