Four Ondo Worshippers Rescued After N5 Million Ransom Payment

Four Christian worshippers from the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso community, located in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their liberty.

Gunmen had invaded the church during a vigil last Wednesday, abducting the congregants. The attackers reportedly stormed the place of worship situated along the busy Owo/Benin Expressway and forced the worshippers into the nearby forest. However, one individual managed to escape from the abductors shortly after the incident, and an informant was subsequently apprehended by the police.

In a recent development, the four individuals were released on Monday evening, March 2, in the Ilado community. Reports indicate that their families successfully negotiated their release by paying a ransom of N5 million to the kidnappers.

A family member, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the release. "The Christian worshippers have been released. They were freed this evening after we were able to raise N5 million for the abductors. In fact, they have been reunited with their family and I learnt some of them are also in the hospital receiving treatment as a result of their ordeal they face in the hands of the kidnappers," the relative stated.

Initially, the abductors had contacted the victims' families, demanding a sum of N100 million for their safe return.

The spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, has confirmed the release of the worshippers to newsmen.