Abducted Ondo worshippers released after ‘N9m ransom payment’

Gunmen have released five worshippers abducted from a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo LGA of Ondo state.

On February 25, gunmen attacked the church during an early morning prayer session and abducted six worshippers.

Jimoh Abayomi, police spokesperson in Ondo, said after the attack that the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, immediately launched a rescue operation.

According to the police spokesperson, one of the abducted worshippers was rescued, while one suspect was arrested.

On Monday, TheCable learnt that the five abducted worshippers were released in the evening after their families reportedly paid N9 million ransom to the kidnappers.

The kidnappers were initially said to have demanded N40 million for each victim, but the amount was later reduced to N9 million after a series of negotiations.

When contacted, the Ondo police spokesperson confirmed the release of the victims, adding that the command would continue its investigation to track down the abductors.

There has been an uptick in gunmen attacks and growing security concerns in Ondo state since the beginning of 2026.

On February 20, gunmen abducted a couple at Ilu-Abo community in Akure north LGA of the state.

The gunmen attacked the couple at the front of their residence immediately after they returned from their shop.(The cable)