Gunmen Release Five Abducted Ondo Church Members After N9m Payment

Five worshippers abducted from a church in Ondo State have regained their freedom after their families reportedly paid N9 million to secure their release.

The victims were taken on February 25 when gunmen stormed a parish of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, during an early morning prayer session. Six worshippers were initially abducted in the attack.

Jimoh Abayomi, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, had earlier said a joint rescue operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes led to the rescue of one of the victims and the arrest of a suspect shortly after the incident.

Sources said the remaining five victims were released on Monday evening following negotiations with the abductors. The gunmen were said to have initially demanded N40 million for each captive before agreeing to N9 million in total.

Confirming the development, Abayomi said the victims had been released and that investigations were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

The incident adds to a series of security breaches reported in Ondo State since the start of the year. On February 20, gunmen abducted a couple in Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area shortly after they returned home from their shop. Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with that case.