In the early hours of Wednesday, armed men stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, abducting five worshippers during an ongoing service.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed that security operatives, working alongside the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, quickly mobilised to the scene. One of the victims has since been rescued, and one suspect has been apprehended, providing useful information to aid the investigation.
Police operations continue to secure the safe release of the remaining victims and bring all perpetrators to justice. Residents have been urged to stay vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
The attack comes amid a recent surge in armed bandit activities in Ondo State, including kidnappings, and follows previous high-profile attacks such as the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church incident in Owo, in which 41 people were killed. Security agencies are intensifying efforts to curb such incidents across the region.
