Protest Erupts in Ondo as Gunmen Kidnap Worshippers During Church Vigil

Tensions have flared in Ondo State following the abduction of five worshippers by suspected gunmen during a church vigil in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area. The brazen attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, sparked immediate protests that blocked the busy Akure-Owo Expressway, with demonstrators demanding urgent government action to address the deteriorating security situation.

Eyewitnesses reported that armed men stormed the church premises during the night vigil, selecting five congregants at gunpoint before fleeing into the surrounding bush. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, which had previously been considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the state.

In response to the kidnapping, angry youths and community members took to the streets, barricading the major highway that connects Ondo States capital with its northern senatorial district. The protesters carried placards calling for improved security and the immediate rescue of their abducted neighbours. Traffic was disrupted for several hours as security forces worked to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy.

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that a special anti-kidnapping squad has been deployed to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims. A police spokesperson appealed to the protesters to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties without interference.

Kidnapping for ransom has become an increasingly troubling phenomenon across Nigeria, with criminal gangs targeting both high-profile individuals and ordinary citizens. While the South-West had previously been spared the worst of the countrys security challenges, incidents like this suggest that the region is no longer immune to the criminal activities that have plagued other parts of the country.

Community leaders in Uso have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to deploy additional security resources to the area and to work with federal agencies to address the root causes of criminality. They noted that the economic hardship facing many young people makes them susceptible to recruitment by criminal syndicates.

The incident has also raised questions about the adequacy of security measures at religious gatherings, with some calling for churches and mosques to implement enhanced vigilance and coordinate with local security outfits.

As the search for the kidnapped worshippers continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for their safe return and for concrete steps to prevent future occurrences.