Gunmen on Wednesday abducted six worshippers from a Celestial Church located along the Uso–Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state.
The abduction was confirmed by the state police command in a statement on Wednesday, saying that the abduction occurred in the early hours of February 25, at about 12:50 a.m.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the assailants stormed the church premises during a vigil session and whisked the worshippers away to an unknown location.
“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 following sustained joint security operations in the area.
“As a result of the sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued,” he said.
Jimoh further revealed that a suspected informant connected to the kidnapping had been arrested and was currently assisting security agencies with investigations.
“Additionally, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is presently assisting with ongoing investigations,” he stated.
The police spokesperson said security operations were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend all those responsible for the crime.
“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,” he said.
He urged residents of the area to remain calm and vigilant, while calling on the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that could aid the rescue operation.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that may assist ongoing operations,” Jimoh added.
The incident has heightened concerns over security along the Uso–Owo corridor, with authorities reiterating their commitment to intensifying joint patrols and intelligence-led operations across vulnerable communities in the state.
