Ondo Community Protests Rising Church Kidnaping

Ondo Community Protests Rising Church Kidnaping

Residents of Ondo State shut down the busy Akure Owo Expressway on Wednesday after five worshippers were abducted in Owo Local Government Area.

The protest followed an early morning attack on a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, where gunmen stormed the service and took the victims away.

Angry youths and community members blocked the highway for hours, leaving travellers stranded as they demanded swift action from security agencies.

The disruption brought traffic to a standstill while protesters called for stronger protection against growing cases of kidnapping.

Police confirmed the attack, saying officers moved to the scene with soldiers and local vigilantes once the report was received.

One of the kidnapped worshippers has been rescued, while a suspect has been arrested and is assisting investigators.

Efforts are ongoing to free the remaining victims and track down others involved.

The incident has renewed fear in the state, coming years after the deadly 2022 assault on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo.

Recent protests in other communities over abductions have also shown rising tension as residents demand better security.