Gunmen invade church in Ondo, abduct six worshippers

 

Gunmen have invaded a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo LGA of Ondo state, making away with six worshippers.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday during an early-morning service in the church.

The abduction comes four days after assailants abducted a couple at Ilu-Abo community in Akure north LGA of the state.

There has been an uptick in gunmen attacks and growing security concerns in Ondo state since the turn of the year.

Jimoh Abayomi, police spokesperson for the state, said the attack happened at about 12:50am, noting that operatives of the command, working with the Nigerian Army and local vigilance group members, immediately launched a rescue operation.

“Upon 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.

He relayed that one of the abducted worshippers has been rescued, while one suspect has been arrested.

“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 ongoing investigations,” Abayomi said.

He assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring all those responsible to justice.

“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,” the spokesperson added.

The police urged residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations,” he added.