Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Six worshippers were abducted after gunmen stormed a Celestial Church of Christ in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Wednesday during what was described as a morning service, according to confirmation by the Ondo State Police Command. The attack, which has further intensified concerns about insecurity in the southwestern Nigerian state, occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m. on February 25, 2026, when assailants reportedly invaded the church premises along the Uso–Owo Expressway and forcibly seized the congregants. Police say one of the abducted worshippers has since been rescued and a suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested, while security forces continue a coordinated rescue and manhunt operation for the remaining victims and perpetrators.
Family members and affected communities were plunged into distress after the reported abduction. According to the state police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, the attackers whisked the victims away to an unknown destination, prompting the deployment of police operatives in conjunction with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups. Investigations remain active, with law enforcement urging residents to provide credible information that may assist in locating those still in captivity and apprehending all suspects connected to the church invasion.
The circumstances of the attack reflect a broader pattern of rising insecurity in Ondo State, where religious centres and vulnerable communities have increasingly become targets for criminal elements, including kidnappers and armed groups. Stone Reporters recall that Ondo has suffered high-profile violent incidents in recent years, most notably the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, in which gunmen killed scores of worshippers during a Pentecost Sunday service — an atrocity that drew national and international condemnation and resulted in the eventual arrest of several suspects linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
That 2022 attack, widely reported at the time, was one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history. Security forces and intelligence agencies later pursued individuals believed to have planned and executed the assault, culminating this week in the arrest of a sixth suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, who had eluded capture for nearly four years and was apprehended in Edo State. Prosecutors allege Yusuf was a high-ranking ISWAP commander involved in the massacre and other violent operations across Nigeria, including attacks on military installations and kidnappings in the northern region.
Investigators are yet to establish whether the church abduction in Uso is directly linked to larger extremist networks such as ISWAP, or if it reflects opportunistic criminal activity by kidnappers exploiting gaps in regional security. The timing of the attack during a worship service has drawn concern from religious leaders and civil society organisations, who condemn the targeting of sacred spaces and demand enhanced protective measures for congregants.
Immediate reaction among residents in Uso has been one of shock and fear. Community members told reporters that the assailants struck without warning and that the early hour of the attack — when many worshippers were gathered in prayer — suggested premeditation. Some eyewitnesses said the gunmen operated with precision before escaping into nearby bushland, exploiting the darkness and limited local security presence. As of this report, family members of the victims have not received any ransom communication or demands from the abductors, deepening anxiety over their fate.
Local authorities have reiterated that the rescuing and safe return of all abducted worshippers remains a top priority. The arrest of a suspected informant has been described by police as potentially crucial to unraveling the circumstances of the attack and tracking down those responsible. The ongoing operation includes patrols along key highways and forested corridors that are frequently used as staging areas for kidnappers and armed gangs.
Ondo State’s police command has appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant, warning against spreading unverified reports that could hamper rescue efforts or inflame tensions. Officials have acknowledged the possibility of mistaken or conflicting accounts in the immediate aftermath of chaotic events such as this, stressing that accurate information is essential for effective security responses.
Church leaders in the region have condemned the invasion and abduction in unequivocal terms. Religious stakeholders argue that the attack undermines the right to freedom of worship and has profound psychological impacts on congregations that already fear for safety during religious activities. Calls have been made for enhanced collaboration between church communities, state authorities, and security agencies to develop preventive strategies, including improved surveillance, early warning systems, and increased police visibility around worship centres.
The unfolding situation in Ondo occurs against a backdrop of wider national challenges with kidnappings and violent crime. Analysts say that while some regions of Nigeria have long battled insurgency and banditry, the extension of such attacks into the southwestern states represents a troubling shift that demands adaptive security planning. Nigeria’s federal government, in collaboration with state governors, has in recent years ramped up efforts to bolster intelligence sharing and rapid-response mechanisms, yet incidents like the Uso church abduction underscore persistent vulnerabilities.
At the national level, security officials have faced pressure to articulate coherent counter-kidnap and anti-terrorism strategies that can protect civilians without compromising civil liberties. The involvement of community vigilante groups in support of regular forces has been both praised for local knowledge and criticised for potential unregulated practices; authorities insist that coordination and oversight remain essential.
As search operations continue, the rescue of the remaining abducted worshippers hangs in the balance. Families and church members have appealed to both state and federal authorities to accelerate efforts and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. In the interim, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat posed by armed groups and criminal gangs in parts of Nigeria, and the ongoing struggle to safeguard religious sanctuaries and civilian lives.
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