Suspected terrorists on Wednesday attacked a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during an early-morning service.
According to sources, the gunmen stormed the church along the Benin–Owo Expressway, causing panic among congregants before forcibly taking the victims to an unknown location. The incident comes just four days after a couple was kidnapped in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North LGA, raising concerns over worsening insecurity across the state.
An eyewitness, Emmanuel, shared videos and photos of the aftermath on social media platform X, describing the attack as part of a growing security crisis. “Live from Uso this morning, 25 February 2026, kidnappers abducted six people at Celestial Church along Benin–Owo Expressway, Uso, Owo LGA. Government shouldn’t be trading our lives with kidnappers,” he wrote.
Residents noted that repeated attacks by armed groups have heightened fear across Ondo communities, with many blaming authorities for failing to curb kidnappings and violent assaults. The church abduction adds to a series of security breaches recorded in the state since the start of 2026.
In January, Ipele community in Owo LGA experienced a similar attack when suspected terrorists burned a police station and several vehicles on New Year’s Day, forcing residents to flee their homes. Videos showed the station engulfed in flames while security personnel later assessed the damage.
As of filing, Ondo State authorities had not issued a statement on Wednesday’s church abduction, and it remains unclear whether rescue efforts for the kidnapped worshippers have commenced.
