Gunmen Abduct Six Worshippers In Ondo Community

Gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday struck at a Celestial Church situated along the Owo–Akure Expressway in Uso, Owo Local Government area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during a night service.

Eyewitness accounts from the community indicated that the armed men invaded the church premises while prayers were ongoing, throwing members of the congregation into panic before forcefully taking away several worshippers.

While local sources maintained that the attack occurred late Tuesday night, the Ondo State Police Command stated that the incident was recorded at about 12:50 a.m. on February 25, 2026.

According to the Command, six persons were abducted and moved to an undisclosed location.

Amid the chaos that trailed the invasion, one of the victims reportedly escaped shortly after being taken by the assailants.

The police further confirmed that another abducted worshipper had been rescued through coordinated security efforts.

The Command disclosed that immediately it received information about the attack, operatives were deployed to the scene in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups to commence rescue operations.

Investigations have since led to the arrest of a suspected informant believed to be connected with the crime.

The suspect, police authorities said, is currently assisting in ongoing investigations.

Security agencies, according to the Command, have sustained operations in the area to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring all perpetrators to justice.

The latest incident has further unsettled residents of Owo and adjoining communities, deepening fears over rising insecurity along the Owo–Akure corridor.

Residents have also been advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to support security operations by volunteering timely and credible information.