Suspected gunmen attacked a place of worship in the Uso community of Ondo State, south-west Nigeria, in the early hours of Wednesday, abducting six people while a morning service was underway, police confirmed.
The incident occurred at a Celestial Church of Christ located beside the Uso-Owo Expressway in the Owo Local Government Area at about 12:50am, according to a statement from the state police command.
Security forces including the state police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups, quickly responded and launched a coordinated rescue operation.
One of the abducted worshippers has since been freed, and a suspected informant linked to the attack has been arrested.
“The victims were taken to an unknown destination by the attackers,” said the police spokesperson, adding that the search continues for the remaining hostages and their captors.
Authorities are urging the public to share any credible information that could assist ongoing efforts.
Families of those still missing are reported to be distressed, with no communication from the kidnappers yet.
The attack underscores growing fears over security in religious spaces and rural communities in parts of Nigeria.
