Ondo church attack: Police confirm 4 pregnant women abducted, urge suspension of night worship

The Ondo State Police Command has disclosed that four pregnant women were abducted by gunmen during a recent attack on the Celestial Church of Christ in the Uso area of the state.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Akure, the state capital, on Friday, February 27, 2026.

The victims were kidnapped on Thursday during a midnight service at the church located along Uso/Owo Expressway in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

One of the worshipers was rescued and one informant arrested by the police after the incident.

It was gathered that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million before the victims could be released.

Lawal, however, disclosed that all the victims were pregnant women and one physical-challenged person.

The police commissioner further admonished religious leaders, consisting of Muslim, Christians, and traditional worshippers, to suspend night worship due to the security challenges in Ondo State.

Gunmen storm church, kidnap 6 worshippers in Ondo

Lawal said it would be easier for the police to monitor religious activities during the daytime than in the night.

He said: “On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments.

“We have always advised religious leaders, if they want to do anything, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation.

“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there.

“I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital. If someone is pregnant, the best place should be a hospital or maternity home.

“However, we sent a signal to all area commanders advising religious leaders — Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers — to suspend night worship for now because of the security challenges.”

The Star