The five worshippers kidnapped at a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have been released.
The victims were freed on Monday evening at Ilado community after their families reportedly paid ₦9 million to secure their release.
A family source, who preferred not to be named, disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million for each victim but later reduced the sum to ₦9 million following negotiations with relatives.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Ondo State Police Command said it launched a joint operation with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, said one of the abducted worshippers had earlier been rescued, while a suspect was arrested.
However, the remaining five victims were taken to an unknown location before their eventual release.
Jimoh stated that after the attack, security operatives immediately began a rescue mission in collaboration with other agencies and local security groups. He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had stormed the church on February 25, 2026, during an early morning prayer session and abducted six worshippers.
Kidnapping incidents have surged in Ondo State since January 2026, particularly in Akure North, Owo, and the Akoko axis in the northern part of the state.
Recently, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, revealed that 256 criminal suspects have been arrested across the state since the start of the year, including 30 individuals linked to kidnapping.