‎Protest erupts in Ondo after gunmen abduct worshippers at church vigil

Ondo, Nigeria, February 26, 2026 — Residents of Uso community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a major protest on Wednesday following the kidnapping of worshippers by suspected gunmen during a midnight church vigil.
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‎The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ located along the Akure–Owo Expressway, when armed assailants reportedly stormed the church premises and abducted six worshippers.
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‎ One of the abducted victims managed to escape shortly after the attack, leaving five people believed to be in captivity.
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‎Outraged by the incident, community members barricaded the Akure–Owo Expressway, disrupting traffic and demanding urgent action from security agencies.
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‎Demonstrators chanted songs and called attention to what they described as a worsening insecurity situation in the state.
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‎One protester, who identified himself as Deoye, said the demonstration was necessary to draw government focus to the rising spate of kidnappings and attacks on innocent citizens.
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‎Confirming the abduction, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh said that the state command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, launched a coordinated rescue operation soon after the incident was reported.
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‎Jimoh added that one of the victims has already been rescued, and a suspect believed to be an informant has been arrested and is assisting with investigations.
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‎Security agencies are continuing efforts to secure the release of those still missing and apprehend all individuals responsible.
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‎Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and to provide any information that could aid ongoing operations.