AKURE, Nigeria (SCANS) — Gunmen abducted five worshippers during a church service in southwest Nigeria early Wednesday, police said.
The attackers stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, at about 1 a.m. while a service was ongoing and took the victims to an unknown location.
Ondo State police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh confirmed the incident in a message to journalists in Akure, the state capital.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilized to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Jimoh said.
He said 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 assisting ongoing investigations,” Jimoh said.
Security operations are continuing to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other suspects, he added.
Jimoh urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a persistent security challenge in parts of Nigeria, with churches, schools and rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.
Authorities say joint operations between police, the military and local security outfits are ongoing to curb the attacks.
