Gunmen attacked a church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Wednesday, abducting five worshippers during a service.
The assailants reportedly stormed the Celestial Church of Christ at about 1:00 a.m., seized the victims and fled to an undisclosed location.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives responded swiftly after receiving the report.
“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,” he said.
Jimoh disclosed that one of the abducted worshippers has since been rescued and a suspect 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 with ongoing investigations,” he added.
The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other perpetrators.
He urged residents to stay calm and vigilant, and to support security agencies with credible information to aid the rescue operation.
