Gunmen abduct five worshippers during midnight service in Ondo, one rescued

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

The incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. when the armed men reportedly stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ while worship was ongoing.

The attackers seized five members of the congregation and whisked them away to an undisclosed location, triggering panic within the community.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security agencies swiftly responded to the distress call.

“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 disclosed in a message to journalists in Akure.

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He revealed that joint security efforts have already yielded results, with one of the abducted worshippers successfully rescued.

“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 said.

According to the police, operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.

The command urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring the public that security agencies are intensifying efforts to restore safety in the area.

Authorities also appealed to members of the community to provide credible and actionable information that could aid the rescue mission and broader investigation.