FIVE WORSHIPPERS ABDUCTED IN CHURCH ATTACK IN OWO, ONDO
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Gunmen abducted five worshippers in the early hours of Wednesday at a Celestial Church of Christ, Uso branch in Ondo State. The attackers reportedly stormed the church at about 1:00 a.m. during an ongoing service and took the victims to an unknown location.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said joint operations with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes have already led to the rescue of one victim and the arrest of a suspect who is aiding investigations.
Jimoh stated, “Operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of all perpetrators involved,” urging residents to remain calm and provide actionable information to security agencies.
The attack comes almost four years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, which left 41 worshippers dead and 140 injured. Recently, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a sixth suspect, Sani Yusuf, linked to the 2022 attack. Five other suspects remain on trial for terrorism-related charges.
Ondo State has seen a rise in kidnappings in recent months. On January 26, residents of Ilu-Abo community in Akure North LGA staged a protest over recent abductions after a woman, Oladeinde Tomilola, was kidnapped at her residence. During the incident, neighbours attempting to intervene were shot, and a woman and her 11-year-old daughter sustained injuries from stray bullets.
The Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has visited affected communities, reinforcing security measures and assuring residents that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent future attacks.
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