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, which occurred along the Uso-Owo Motorway, has sparked tension in the agrarian community located on the Akure-Owo highway.
An eyewitness said the attackers stormed the church premises while a service was ongoing and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.
Residents said panic spread across the community following the invasion. According to local sources, one of the abducted worshippers managed to escape shortly after the incident.
Families of the victims said as of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not established contact or made any ransom demands.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the kidnapping occurred in the early hours of February 25, 2026.
“At approximately 12:50 a.m., six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Motorway in Uso. The victims were reportedly taken to an unknown destination by the attackers,” he said.
Jimoh added that upon receiving the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilized to the scene and commenced rescue operations.
“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations,” he stated.
Security agencies said coordinated operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide credible and actionable information that could assist in the ongoing operations.
The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Ondo State, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks have continued to challenge law enforcement efforts.
