Protest Erupts in Ondo After Gunmen Abduct Worshippers During Midnight Church Service

Residents of Ondo State staged a protest on Wednesday, barricading the busy Akure/Owo Expressway after gunmen abducted worshippers during a midnight church service in Uso.

The attackers reportedly stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ around 1 a.m. while service was ongoing and whisked away five worshippers to an unknown destination.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, swiftly launched a rescue operation.

Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed that one of the abducted victims has been rescued, while a suspect linked to the attack has been arrested and is assisting with investigations.

He added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend all those involved.

The incident comes nearly four years after the deadly 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which left dozens dead and many injured.

Operatives of the Department of State Services recently announced the arrest of an additional suspect allegedly linked to that earlier attack.

Growing insecurity in Ondo and across the South-West has heightened anxiety among residents.

Angry residents blocked the Akure/Owo Expressway after gunmen invaded a church in Uso, Ondo State, abducting five worshippers during a late-night service.

According to police, the attackers struck at about 1 a.m., taking the victims away while the congregation was in worship.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that security forces have rescued one victim and arrested a suspect, with investigations ongoing.

The attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Ondo State.

On January 26, residents of Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area also staged a protest following a surge in kidnappings.

The protest was triggered by the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola, who was kidnapped outside her home after gunmen reportedly shot at her vehicle. Two neighbours who attempted to intervene were shot and hospitalised, while a woman and her 11-year-old daughter sustained injuries during the attack.

The spate of violence has renewed calls for stronger security measures across the state and the wider South-West region.