Four Christian worshippers who were abducted during a midnight church service in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom after spending several days in captivity.
The victims — members of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) — were released on Monday evening in the nearby Ilado community following negotiations between their families and the abductors. Relatives reportedly paid a ransom of ₦5 million to secure their release.
The gunmen had stormed the church during a service held along the busy Owo-Benin Expressway, forcibly taking the congregants into the bush shortly after the incident occurred.
Police in Ondo State confirmed the release, noting that all four victims are now safe and have been reunited with their families. Some recipients of the ordeal are also believed to be receiving medical attention after enduring traumatic conditions while held by their captors.
Earlier in the situation, security officials had reported an escape by one of the abducted worshippers and the arrest of a suspected informant believed to have assisted the kidnappers, as efforts continued to locate and free the others.
The incident has renewed concerns about attacks on places of worship and the broader insecurity facing religious communities in parts of the country. Local authorities have vowed to intensify security operations to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.
