By Ayomide Otitoju
Gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday abducted five worshippers during a church service in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The attackers reportedly stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ at about 1:00 a.m., whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives immediately launched a rescue operation in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups.
“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,” he said.
Jimoh disclosed that one of the abducted worshippers had been rescued, while a suspect linked to the crime had been 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.
He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other perpetrators, urging the public to remain calm and provide credible information to security agencies.
The latest attack comes nearly four years after the deadly assault on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in 2022, where 41 people were killed and over 140 injured.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested a sixth suspect in connection with the 2022 church attack. The agency is currently prosecuting five suspects over alleged acts of terrorism.
A security source said the latest suspect was apprehended in Edo State after years of surveillance.
Ondo State has experienced a spike in kidnappings and banditry in recent months. In January, residents of Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area staged a protest over rising insecurity, blocking the Airport–Owo Expressway.
The protest followed the abduction of a resident, Oladeinde Tomilola, who was kidnapped at the entrance of her home. During the incident, gunmen opened fire, injuring neighbours and bystanders.
Following that attack, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, visited the community, condemned the violence and assured residents that additional tactical and intelligence-driven measures had been deployed to prevent further incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
