Terrorists abducted six worshippers from a Celestial Church in Ondo State early Wednesday, igniting panic across the community.
Terrorists burst into the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, during a midnight service around 1 a.m., brandishing weapons and seizing the victims before fleeing into the night.
They targeted the church along the Owo-Akure Expressway, forcing congregants into chaos as screams filled the air.
Police swiftly responded, arresting one suspected informant who allegedly aided the attackers, while launching a manhunt for the perpetrators.
This brazen assault echoes a disturbing trend in Ondo State.
Just four days earlier, terrorists kidnapped a couple in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, heightening local anxieties.
Moreover, residents in nearby areas have protested by blocking the Akure-Owo Expressway, demanding urgent government action to curb the violence.
In a related development, authorities recently detained a sixth suspect tied to the 2022 Owo church massacre, where terrorists killed 40 people at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, underscoring persistent threats from groups like ISWAP.
Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts on social media, posting videos and photos of the aftermath to highlight the growing security crisis.
One joint security operation already rescued a victim, but the fate of the remaining five hangs in the balance as police trail the suspects.
Meanwhile, community leaders in Uso urged calm while calling for enhanced patrols, noting that such attacks exploit the lack of nighttime security.
Nigeria grapples with widespread abductions, with Ondo vulnerable to spillover from northern insurgencies.
Although southwestern states report some improvements in incident rates, the region remains a hotspot for targeted violence against places of worship.
In addition, similar incidents in neighboring states like Kwara and Benue have seen terrorists invade churches, killing and abducting dozens in recent weeks.
As investigations unfold, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa vowed to deploy more troops and collaborate with federal agencies to dismantle terrorist networks.
However, critics argue that reactive measures fall short, pressing for proactive intelligence to prevent future tragedies.
The abducted worshippers’ families await news, praying for their safe return amid a nation weary of unrelenting insecurity.
