Midnight Abduction Sparks Highway Shutdown in Ondo as Residents Demand Urgent Action on Rising Insecurity

Tension gripped parts of Ondo State on Wednesday after angry residents shut down the busy Akure–Owo Expressway for several hours in protest over the abduction of worshippers during a midnight church vigil.

The incident, which occurred in Uso community in Owo Local Government Area, has once again thrown the spotlight on growing security concerns in the state and across Nigeria’s southwest corridor.

Midnight Raid on Worshippers

According to local sources, armed men stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ at about 12:50 a.m., while congregants were holding a vigil service. The attackers reportedly fired sporadically to instill fear before rounding up six worshippers and dragging them into nearby forested areas.

In a dramatic twist, one of the victims later escaped from captivity and made his way back to the community, raising hopes among families. However, five others remain in the hands of their abductors, with relatives anxiously awaiting news of their fate.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as gunshots rang out in the quiet community, forcing residents to remain indoors until daybreak.

Highway Protest and Public Outrage

By early Wednesday morning, frustration boiled over.

Dozens of residents, youth groups, and concerned citizens trooped onto the Akure–Owo Expressway, blocking traffic and bringing economic activities to a halt. Protesters carried placards, sang solidarity songs, and demanded immediate intervention from the state and federal governments.

“We are here to tell the government that insecurity in Ondo is increasing. People cannot be kidnapped inside a church,” one protester said. “If worshippers are no longer safe in the house of God, then nowhere is safe.”

Motorists were stranded for hours as security personnel monitored the protest to prevent it from escalating into violence.

The demonstration reflects deepening anxiety among residents, many of whom say cases of kidnapping and armed attacks have become increasingly frequent in parts of the state.

Police Confirm Attack, Launch Rescue Operation

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security agencies have launched a coordinated rescue operation.

According to him, the police are working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups to comb surrounding forests and track down the perpetrators.

Authorities also disclosed that one abducted worshipper has been successfully rescued, while a suspected informant believed to have aided the attackers has been arrested. The suspect is currently assisting investigators with useful information that could help unravel the network behind the crime.

“We are intensifying efforts to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims,” the police spokesperson assured, urging residents to remain calm and provide credible information to security agencies.

Renewed Security Concerns

The attack has reignited conversations about security vulnerabilities in rural and semi-urban communities, particularly in areas bordering forests often exploited by criminal groups.

Owo and its surrounding communities have previously experienced violent incidents, leaving residents wary and increasingly vocal about the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved patrol operations, and enhanced collaboration between formal security agencies and local vigilantes.

Community leaders say the latest abduction represents a disturbing shift — targeting worshippers during a church vigil, traditionally regarded as a sacred and safe gathering.

A Community on Edge

As security operations continue, families of the abducted victims remain in distress, appealing to authorities to act swiftly.

For many residents, the protest carried a singular message: enough is enough.

They insist that beyond rescue efforts, there must be sustained action to prevent future attacks and restore public confidence in the safety of lives and property in Ondo State.

Until then, the fear remains palpable — and the demand for lasting security reforms grows louder.

Written by Folarin Adeyemi Aluko
For The1960Republic