Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted four worshippers from a church in Uso, Owo Local Council Area of Ondo State.
The worshippers were kidnapped during a night service in the Celestial Church situated along the Owo/Akure highway when armed gunmen stormed the church.
The latest attack comes barely days after suspected bandits killed the Alagamo of Agamo, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, in Akure North Local Government Area during a failed abduction attempt.
In the past few weeks, the state has been faced with increasing security challenges, with the weekly abduction and killing of residents.
According to a resident within the axis, who gave his name as Tomiwa, the kidnappers, who were fully armed, arrived at the church around 1:00 am in the early hours of Wednesday.
Tomiwa disclosed that one of the worshippers was able to escape while the abducted victims were moved to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command revealed that a suspect who is connected to the abduction of the worshippers had been arrested.
The command in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that police and other security agencies in the state have mobilised assets towards rescuing the victims and apprehending the suspects.
He said: “At approximately 12:50 a.m., six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Uso. The victims were reportedly taken to an unknown destination by the attackers.
“Upon receiving the report, the Operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.
“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 with ongoing investigations.
“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved.
“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.” (Guardian)
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