Gunmen invade church in Ondo, worshippers abducted

By Goli Innocent

Gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday stormed a church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting five worshippers during a night service.

The attackers reportedly invaded the church, a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ, at about 1:00 a.m. while the service was ongoing and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a message to journalists in Akure.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Jimoh said.

He disclosed that one of the abducted worshippers had been rescued and a suspect arrested. “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 with ongoing investigations,” he added.

Jimoh stated that security operatives were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend all those involved. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing operations.