The five worshippers abducted at a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained their freedom.
The four worshippers were released on Monday evening at Ilado community after their families reportedly paid a ransom of ₦9 million to the kidnappers.
An anonymous family source revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million to secure the release of each of the victims, however, the ransom was later reduced to ₦9 million, after a series of negotiations between the relatives of the victims and the kidnappers.
Confirming the attack on Tuesday, the Ondo State Police Command said the police launched an operation in colloboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, said one of the abducted worshippers was rescued, while one suspect was arrested.
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However, the remaining five victims were not so lucky as they were taken to unknown destination.
The Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Tuesday.
He noted that after the attack, the Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, immediately launched a rescue operation. He revealed that one of the abducted worshippers was rescued, while one suspect was arrested.
The Command’s spokesman stated that efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing kidnappers.
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had on February 25, 2026 attacked the church during an early morning prayer session and abducted six worshippers.
Cases of kidnapping have been rampant in Ondo State since January 2026, especially in the Akure North Local Government Area as well as Owo Local Government Area and the Akoko axis, both in the northern part of the state.
Recently, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal disclosed that the command had arrested 256 criminals in various parts of the state since the beginning of the year, 30 of whom were kidnappers.
