Gunmen stormed a church in the Owo area of Ondo State, abducting five worshippers during a service, according to local authorities and residents. Eyewitnesses said the attackers entered the church premises abruptly, seizing congregants before fleeing in an unknown direction.
Security operatives, including police and local vigilante groups, have launched an intensive search operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. Authorities are also reviewing security footage and gathering intelligence from the community to aid the investigation.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a growing threat across Nigeria, with armed groups increasingly targeting schools, highways, villages, and places of worship. While southwestern states like Ondo were historically considered more secure than the northern regions, recent violent incidents suggest that insecurity is spreading more widely across the country.
The Ondo State Police Command said the investigation is ongoing and called on residents to remain vigilant but calm, assuring that security agencies are intensifying patrols in high-risk communities. As of now, there is no confirmation that the abductors have made contact or issued any ransom demands.
Security analysts warn that such attacks highlight the urgent need for improved protection of vulnerable communities, including religious institutions, to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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