Nigerian Army R€scues One Of Six Celestial Church Worshippers ∆bducted In Uso, Arrest Suspect
Nigerian Army Rescues One Of Six Celestial Church Worshippers Abducted In Uso, Arrest Suspect
The development was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, in a post shared on X.
Operatives of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, have rescued one of six worshippers abducted by gunmen at a church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, while also arresting a suspect.
The development was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, in a post shared on X.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that suspected terrorists invaded a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, abducting six worshippers during an early-morning service.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the gunmen stormed the church, located along the Benin–Owo Expressway, in the early hours of Wednesday, causing panic among congregants before whisking the victims away to an unknown location.
In response, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Uso, the Ondo State Police Command, local vigilante groups, and hunters, launched a coordinated search operation in the surrounding forests and neighboring areas.
“The joint efforts led to the rescue of one victim, Testimony Adebola, and the arrest of a suspect,” Zagazola added.
Authorities have deployed additional personnel to intensify operations aimed at rescuing the remaining five worshippers and apprehending the attackers.
Residents in Uso and surrounding communities were urged to remain calm as security agencies continue their operations.
The abduction comes amid a rising tide of insecurity in Ondo State. Emmanuel, an eyewitness, shared videos and photographs of the aftermath on X, describing the incident as part of a worsening security crisis in the area.
“Live from Uso this morning, kidnappers kidnapped six people at Celestial Church along Benin–Owo Expressway. This kidnapping issue is alarming. Government shouldn’t be trading our lives with kidnappers,” he wrote.
This incident follows several violent episodes in the state, including the kidnapping of a couple in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, just four days ago.
About five days ago, the terrorists also kidnapped a couple in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North Local Government Area, further deepening fears over worsening insecurity across the state.
In January, residents of Ipele community, Owo LGA, were also thrown into panic after suspected terrorists attacked and set a police station ablaze during New Year celebrations.
The attack forced many residents to flee their homes amid fears of further violence.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters at the time showed the police station engulfed in flames while security personnel were later seen assessing the damage.
