Gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday stormed a parish of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during a night service.
The attackers were said to have struck at about 12:50 a.m. while members of the church were holding an early-morning prayer session.
Residents said the assailants fired sporadically to disperse people before whisking away the victims to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Jimoh Abayomi, said operatives were immediately deployed to the area following a distress call.
“Upon receiving the report at about 12:50 a.m., operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Abayomi said.
He disclosed that security forces had made progress in their response, rescuing one of the abducted worshippers and arresting a suspect in connection with the attack.
“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 ongoing investigations,” he added.
The police spokesperson assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other members of the gang.
“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,” he said.
The latest abduction comes barely four days after gunmen reportedly kidnapped a couple at Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area, heightening security concerns in parts of the state. Abayomi urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information.
“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations,” he stated.
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