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. while a vigil was ongoing and took the victims to an undisclosed location.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives swiftly responded after receiving the report.
“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 one suspect 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 operations were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and arrest other perpetrators. He also urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and provide credible information to security agencies.
Link To 2022 Owo Church Attack
The incident occurred nearly four years after the deadly assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo in 2022, where dozens were killed and many others were injured.
Operatives of the Department of State Services recently arrested a sixth suspect allegedly connected to the 2022 attack. The DSS is prosecuting five individuals—Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—over alleged acts of terrorism.
A security source disclosed that the sixth suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, was apprehended in Iguosa community along the Powerline axis in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State after years of tracking.
Rising Security Concerns In Ondo
Ondo State has experienced an upsurge in kidnappings and armed attacks in recent months, heightening concerns across the South-West region.
On January 26, residents of Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest over increased abductions, blocking the Airport–Owo Expressway and causing significant traffic disruption.
The protest followed the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola, who was reportedly taken near her residence by suspected armed assailants. During that incident, two neighbours who attempted to intervene sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. A woman and her 11-year-old daughter were also injured in the chaos.
Following the attack, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, visited the affected community to assess the situation and reassure residents.
According to police authorities, the commissioner condemned the attack and stated that security measures had been reinforced with additional tactical and intelligence-driven strategies to prevent further incidents and ensure the swift apprehension of those responsible.
What You Should Know
Five worshippers were abducted during a midnight service at a Celestial Church of Christ branch in Uso, Owo LGA.
Police confirmed that one victim has been rescued and a suspect arrested, while efforts continue to free the others. The attack comes nearly four years after the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church tragedy in Owo, with DSS currently prosecuting suspects linked to that incident.
Rising kidnappings in Ondo State have sparked protests and heightened public concern, prompting assurances from security authorities that reinforced measures are in place.
