Abductors Strike Ondo Church, Seize Six Worshippers

Gunmen believed to be kidnappers invaded a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) located in Uso, within the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, taking six worshippers during an early service.

This occurrence adds to the growing security issues in the region, following the reported abduction of a couple just four days earlier in the Ilu-Abo community of Akure North. It also follows the murder of Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, amid a botched kidnapping attempt.

According to reports, the incident transpired around 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday along the Uso–Owo Expressway, instilling fear within the local community.

Witnesses recounted that the assailants entered the church while prayers were being conducted and forcefully took six worshippers away to an undisclosed location.

Jimoh Abayomi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident, stating that the Ondo State Police Command alongside the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups promptly launched a rescue operation.

“Upon receiving the news, operatives from the Command, collaborating with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, rapidly mobilized to the scene and began organized rescue measures,” he detailed.

Abayomi reported that one of the kidnapped individuals had been rescued and that one suspect had been detained in relation to the incident.

He stated, “Thanks to sustained joint efforts, we have successfully rescued one of the kidnapped worshippers. Moreover, a suspect associated with the incident has been apprehended and is providing valuable information that aids the ongoing inquiry.”

The PPRO assured that security operations are actively pursuing the release of the remaining victims and the capture of all those involved in the incident.

“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the other victims and to detain each perpetrator implicated,” Abayomi asserted.

Additionally, law enforcement urged members of the community to stay calm and cooperate with security personnel by supplying reliable information to facilitate the ongoing actions.

Fidelis David in Akure reports.