Protest rocks Ondo as gunmen kidnap worshippers during vigil

Aiyedatiwa

Residents of Ondo State blocked the Akure-Owo Expressway for hours in protest against the kidnapping of no fewer than five worshippers during a vigil at Celestial Church of Christ in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday night.

The assailants reportedly stormed the church located along the Akure–Owo Expressway around midnight and whisked six worshippers into the forest.

One of the victims later escaped, leaving five others in captivity.

The incident sparked outrage in Uso, as residents on Wednesday staged a protest to draw the government’s attention to rising insecurity in the area. The protesters blocked the highway for several hours, chanting solidarity songs and demanding improved security.

One of the protesters, who identified himself as Deoye, said the demonstration was necessary to highlight the worsening security situation in the state.

“We are here to tell the government that insecurity in Ondo State is increasing. Imagine innocent people worshipping their God being kidnapped inside a church. Punch