Tag: Worshippers

Gunmen attacked a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) parish in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State in the early hours of Wednesday, abducting six worshippers during a night service. The attackers reportedly struck around 12:50 a.m., targeting members who were participating in an early-morning prayer session. Eyewitnesses said the assailants fired sporadically to scatter the congregation before forcibly taking the victims to an unknown location. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Jimoh Abayomi, said security operatives were quickly dispatched following a distress call. “Upon receiving the report at about 12:50 a.m., operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Abayomi stated. He added that the response has yielded some progress, with one of the abducted worshippers rescued and a suspect arrested in connection with the attack. “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,” Abayomi said. The police spokesperson assured that operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring other perpetrators to justice. “Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,” he added. The abduction comes just four days after gunmen reportedly kidnapped a couple in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North Local Government Area, raising fresh security concerns in the state. Abayomi urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and assist security agencies with credible information. “Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations,” he said.