One rescued, suspect arrested following abduction of church worshippers in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of six worshippers from a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, shortly before 1:00 a.m., when armed men stormed the premises and whisked the victims away under the cover of darkness.

Upon receiving a distress call, the police command mobilized a joint task force comprising police operatives, Nigerian Army personnel, and local vigilante groups to launch an immediate rescue mission.

This swift inter-agency coordination has already yielded results, with security forces successfully rescuing one of the abducted individuals.

In a significant breakthrough, authorities have apprehended one suspect linked to the attack.

According to the police, the individual is currently in custody and providing useful information that is aiding the ongoing investigation and the pursuit of the remaining kidnappers.

The State Police Spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident and assured the public that operations are intensified to ensure the safe return of the remaining five victims.

He emphasized that the command is committed to apprehending every perpetrator involved in the assault.

As the joint security team combs the surrounding forests and suspected hideouts, the police have urged residents of the Uso and Owo axis to remain calm yet vigilant.

"We appeal to the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist our ongoing operations," Abayomi stated.

The command reiterated that maintaining security is a collective responsibility and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious movements within their communities to the nearest police station.