Gunmen stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, abducting five worshippers during an ongoing night service.
The attackers invaded the church premises around 1:00 a.m. while the service was in progress, shooting sporadically before whisking away the victims to an unknown destination.
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The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Wednesday afternoon.
DSP Jimoh said: “Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.”
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He disclosed that sustained joint efforts by the security agencies yielded positive results: “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.”
The police spokesperson assured that security operatives are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining four victims and apprehend all those involved in the attack.
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He urged residents of Uso, Owo and surrounding communities to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the ongoing operations.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks and abductions targeting churches, schools and communities in Ondo State in recent months, raising fresh concerns about security in the South-West geopolitical zone.
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This is a developing story. DDNewsOnline is monitoring for updates on the rescue of the remaining victims and further arrests.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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