Gunmen abduct six worshippers in Ondo church
Gunmen have abducted six worshippers from a Celestial Church in Uso, a community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in a violent early-morning attack that has intensified concerns about insecurity in the region, police and local sources said.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the attack occurred at around 12:50 a.m. on February 25, 2026, when assailants stormed the church along the Uso/Owo Expressway and seized the worshippers during a service or overnight gathering.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the victims were taken to an unknown destination by the kidnappers shortly after they forced their way into the premises.
Immediate response and partial rescue
Following the report, police units, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, quickly mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated rescue operation aimed at securing the release of the remaining abductees.
“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued,” DSP Jimoh said in the statement, adding that the individual was recovered as security agencies intensified their efforts to find the others.
In addition to the rescue, security personnel also arrested one suspected informant believed to be linked to the incident. The suspect is currently assisting with ongoing investigations to unearth more information about the attack, the police said.
What happened during the attack
Local residents and official sources described the incident as sudden and frightening, with gunmen arriving in the community shortly before dawn and targeting the church while worshippers were inside. The use of violent force to abduct civilians in a place of worship has raised alarm among community leaders and security analysts, who say such incidents reflect broader insecurity challenges along major highways and rural areas.
Although the victims’ identities have not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin, family members and community residents have expressed concern over their safety and the need for urgent rescue. Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and to provide credible and actionable information that could aid the ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining abducted worshippers.
Security operations ongoing
The police confirmed that joint security operations remain underway to ensure the safe release of the five remaining abductees and to apprehend all perpetrators involved in the attack. The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, has reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and restoring peace to affected communities.
Local vigilante groups working alongside the Nigerian Army and police have been deployed along likely escape routes and surrounding towns, tracking possible leads as part of the rescue efforts. The level of coordination underscores the seriousness with which security agencies are treating the incident.
Rising insecurity concerns in the region
The abduction in Uso comes against a backdrop of growing insecurity in parts of southwestern Nigeria, where incidents of kidnapping, highway attacks, and cult-related violence have been reported over recent years. Residents have pointed to stretches of the Akure–Owo highway as particularly risky, where criminals exploit poor lighting and sparse policing to carry out attacks.
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Security analysts say the attack on a place of worship — a location that many consider sacred and usually safe — will likely sharpen debates about the need for improved protection measures for churches, mosques, and other vulnerable institutions. They have urged authorities to increase patrols and intelligence-led operations, particularly around major highways and rural enclaves.
Community reaction and church response
Church leaders and community members in Uso condemned the abduction in strong terms, describing the attackers’ actions as an assault on faith and peace. Many residents called on state officials and security agencies to step up protection for religious gatherings, saying that places of worship should never be targets of violence.
Some civic groups in Ondo State have also appealed to the public to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or individuals in their neighbourhoods. These groups emphasise that community cooperation is essential in tracking down abductors and preventing similar attacks in the future.
Police advice and public vigilance
In his statement, DSP Jimoh urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative — particularly in providing credible and actionable information that could assist ongoing rescue operations and the overall fight against kidnapping and cult-related crimes. Security officials say that public cooperation is often crucial in disrupting criminal networks operating in rural and semi-urban areas.
The police spokesperson also reassured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of worshippers in the church attack and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
What happens next
As of this writing, the identities and conditions of the remaining abducted worshippers have not been released, although relatives have been notified privately in some cases. Security agencies have said that the rescue operations will continue until all victims are accounted for.
Authorities have also said that they will deploy additional resources to patrol the Uso/Owo corridor and other vulnerable areas to discourage further attacks and reassure residents that security remains a priority.
In the coming days, families of the victims, church leaders and local officials are expected to engage with state security councils and community leaders to review measures that might prevent similar incidents and enhance rapid response capabilities.
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Gunmen abduct six worshippers in Ondo church
