By: Sunday Ameh
Motorists were left stranded on Wednesday along the Owo–Akure Expressway following a protest by residents of Uso community in Ondo State over the alleged abduction of worshippers by suspected gunmen.
The demonstrators blocked the busy highway to express anger and frustration after armed attackers reportedly invaded a Celestial Church during a worship session on Tuesday night and abducted several members of the congregation.
Eyewitnesses said the protest caused heavy gridlock as commuters and commercial drivers were unable to access the road for several hours.
The situation reportedly became tense when protesters allegedly refused passage to a vehicle conveying a woman on oxygen support, alongside other essential workers attempting to navigate through the blocked expressway.
Community sources told Starnews NG that the gunmen stormed the church premises during a night service and forcefully whisked away worshippers to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said six worshippers were abducted at about 12:50 a.m. at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway.
According to the police, security operatives, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated rescue operation.
The Command further disclosed that one of the kidnapped victims has been rescued, while a suspect linked to the attack has been arrested and is currently providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
Authorities assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the remaining victims and restore calm in the area
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