Suspected gunmen have attacked a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during an early morning service.
The incident has left the Uso community, which lies along the Akure–Owo highway, in fear as the gunmen stormed the church and took five of the worshippers away.
An eyewitness said the attackers entered the church and forcibly took the victims to an unknown location.
The source added that one of the abductees managed to escape from the captors shortly after the attack.
Families of those kidnapped said the assailants had not yet contacted them or made any demands.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident, describing it as “ugly.”
Abayomi said the “kidnapping incident occurred in the early hours of 25th February 2026. At approximately 12:50 a.m., six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Motorway in Uso. The victims were reportedly taken to an unknown destination by the attackers.”
He added that “upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and began coordinated rescue operations. One of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.”
Abayomi said security operations are still ongoing to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims and to apprehend all those responsible.
He urged residents “to remain calm and vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.”
