By Seyi Odewale
Angry residents of Ondo State on Wednesday staged a protest over the abduction of worshippers at a Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, barricading the busy Akure–Owo Expressway and leaving hundreds of motorists stranded.
The demonstrators blocked the highway to demand urgent government action, describing the latest church abduction as a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity across communities in the state.
The protest followed the early-morning invasion of the church by suspected terrorists, who stormed the worship centre at about 1 a.m. during a night service and abducted worshippers to an unknown destination.
Police, however, confirmed the incident and said security operatives had recorded early breakthroughs in rescue and investigation efforts.
Spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said joint operatives, including the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“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,” Jimoh said.
He disclosed that one of the kidnapped worshippers had been rescued, while one suspect linked to the attack had been arrested and was assisting investigators.
“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.
Jimoh assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend all those responsible.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers invaded the church located along the Benin–Owo Expressway, firing sporadically and causing panic among congregants before fleeing with their victims.
One resident, identified as Emmanuel, lamented the recurring attacks, saying, “This kidnapping issue is alarming in Uso, Owo LGA, Ondo State. Government shouldn’t be trading our lives with kidnappers.”
The latest incident has revived painful memories of the June 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which left over 40 people dead and scores injured. Security agencies recently arrested another suspect linked to that attack, while five others are currently facing prosecution.
The abduction also adds to growing security concerns across Ondo communities, where residents have repeatedly protested kidnappings and violent assaults, including recent attacks in Akure North and Ipele.
Residents warned that continued attacks on places of worship and communities could further erode public confidence unless decisive action is taken to end the wave of insecurity.
