By Ken Chiwendu
Again,gunmen have invaded Owo local government area of Ondo State kidnapping six worshippers this time in Uso,Celestial Church of Christ (CCC)
Kidnappers have serially stormed churches in the local government area abducting scores of worshippers.
In June 2022, gunmen attacked a Catholic church in Owo town killing several worshippers.
The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the state. Four days earlier, gunmen reportedly abducted a couple in Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area. It also follows the recent killing of the traditional ruler of Agamo community, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledon, during a failed abduction attempt.
The recent attack reportedly occurred around 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday along the Uso–Owo Expressway, throwing the community into panic.
The assailants stormed the church while worshippers were praying and forcefully took six of them to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Jimoh Abayomi, said operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, quickly
launched a rescue operation, saying one of the victims has been rescued.and a suspect arrested.
“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,”
“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,” he added.
Abayomi assured that security operations were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend all those responsible.
“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,”
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the e couple abducted last Friday at Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained their freedom following the payment of a N5 million ransom.
The victims, identified as Mr. Jamiu Olawale and his wife, were kidnapped on Friday night shortly after returning home from their shop when gunmen reportedly stormed their residence and whisked them away.
They spent four days in captivity before being released by their abductors on Tuesday night.
Gunmen kidnap six worshippers in Owo church, one Rescued .
