Suspected gunmen have attacked a Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during an early morning service on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
An eyewitness told Vanguard that the armed attackers stormed the church premises along the Uso/Owo Motorway around 12:50 a.m. and forcefully took the victims to an unknown destination.
The source added that one of the abducted persons narrowly escaped from the kidnappers shortly after the incident.
Families of the victims confirmed that the kidnappers had not yet made contact as of the time of reporting.
Confirming the incident, Ondo State Police Command spokesperson DSP Jimoh Abayomi said:
“A 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 commenced coordinated rescue operations.
“As a result of sustained joint efforts, 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.
Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved.”
Abayomi urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information to aid ongoing operations.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting places of worship and communities in parts of Ondo State, raising fresh concerns over the safety of religious gatherings and rural residents.
