Six worshipers of a Celestial Church in Ondo State have been kidnapped following an attack by a bandit gang at the religious facility.
The terrorists invaded the church and whisked away the abductees to an unknown destination, causing the religious members and residents to tremble leading to them placing distress calls to security agencies.
The state’s Police command affirmed the mishap which happened along Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area during early hours of Wednesday, expressing that it has joined with the officers of the Nigerian Army alongside a local vigilante group to rescue the hostages and also apprehend perpetrators of the act.
The command’s Spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said, “Following the incident which happened at about 12:30 am on Wednesday, the operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.
“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved,”he said.
Jimoh urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.
