- Six worshippers abducted during church service
- Attack occurred in early hours at Uso community
- One victim rescued, suspect arrested
- Joint security operation ongoing in Ondo State
Suspected gunmen have attacked a Celestial Church in Uso, within the Owo area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during an early morning service.
An eyewitness told Vanguard that the attackers stormed the church premises in the early hours of Tuesday and forcefully took six worshippers to an unknown location.
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The source added that one of the abducted victims managed to escape shortly after the incident.
Family members of the remaining victims said that as of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not contacted them.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, said the abduction occurred around 12:50 a.m. on February 25, 2026.
“A kidnapping incident occurred in the early hours of 25th February 2026,” Abayomi said.
“Six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Motorway in Uso.”
He explained that security agencies immediately swung into action after receiving the report.
“Operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” he stated.
According to Abayomi, the joint operation has already yielded results.
“One of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. In addition, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.”
He added that security forces are still working to rescue the remaining victims and arrest all those responsible for the attack.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could support ongoing operations.