Suspected gunmen have attacked a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during an early morning service.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, sparking tension across the agrarian community located along the Akure–Owo highway.
Details of the attack
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the church premises during a service and whisked the victims away to an undisclosed location.
Initial accounts suggested five worshippers were taken, but police later confirmed that six persons were abducted during the attack.
A source within the community disclosed that one of the victims managed to escape shortly after the incident. Families of the abducted worshippers said the kidnappers had yet to establish contact at the time of filing this report.
Police confirmation and rescue efforts
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, stated that the kidnapping occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m. on February 25, 2026.
According to him, the six victims were abducted from a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Motorway.
Abayomi said that upon receiving the distress report, police operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised immediately to the scene and launched coordinated rescue operations.
He added that sustained joint efforts led to the successful rescue of one of the kidnapped worshippers.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that one suspected informant linked to the attack had been arrested and was assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.
Security operations ongoing
Security agencies have intensified operations in and around Uso community to secure the safe return of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to provide credible and actionable intelligence that could aid rescue efforts.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over recurring attacks on religious centres and rural communities in parts of Ondo State, particularly within Owo Local Government Area.
Authorities have assured the public that additional security measures are being deployed to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
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