Gunmen abducted four worshippers from a church in Uso, Owo Local Council of Ondo State yesterday.

The worshippers were kidnapped during a night service at a Celestial Church along the Owo/Akure highway when the armed men stormed the premises at about 1:00 a.m.

The latest incident occurred days after suspected bandits killed the Alagamo of Agamo, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, in Akure North Local Council during a failed abduction attempt.

Ondo State has in recent weeks witnessed increasing security challenges, with cases of abductions and killings reported across several communities.

A resident, Tomiwa, said the attackers arrived fully armed and operated for several minutes before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination. He added that one of the worshippers managed to escape during the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the crime.

In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, the police said operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, had mobilised to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives 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 suspect linked to the incident has been arrested and has provided useful information for ongoing investigations.

“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved.” “Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing efforts,” he said.