Ondo Abduction Crisis: Kidnappers Issue Deadline, Threaten Lives of Six Celestial Church Members Seeking Ransom!

Ondo Abduction Crisis: Kidnappers Issue Deadline, Threaten Lives of Six Celestial Church Members Seeking Ransom!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa

Abuja, Nigeria – Six worshippers abducted from a Celestial Church of Christ prayer service in Ondo State now face a dire ultimatum from their captors, who have threatened to kill the victims unless ₦10 million is paid by Monday at 1 p.m., according to a fresh report from SaharaReporters.

The latest development follows the midnight abduction on February 25 at the Celestial Church located along the Uso–Owo Expressway in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area. Local news outlets previously confirmed that armed gunmen stormed the church around 12:50 a.m., taking six worshippers to an undisclosed location.

Security sources indicate that one of the victims managed to escape, and a suspected informant linked to the operation has been detained by police, who are now intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining captives.

The kidnappers’ communication of a hard deadline represents a significant escalation in the case, heightening fear among families and communities already alarmed by a broader surge in abductions across Nigeria. While official police statements so far have referenced ransom demands of up to ₦100 million in similar cases, authorities have not confirmed whether negotiations are underway in this specific incident.

In recent days, residents of the Uso community protested on the Akure–Owo Expressway, blocking the highway to decry rising insecurity and urge swift government action to protect lives and secure the safe return of the worshippers.

The Nigeria Police Force’s Ondo State Command, led by Commissioner Adebowale Lawal, has repeatedly urged religious organizations—Christian, Muslim and traditional—to suspend night services amid escalating security challenges and to coordinate with security agencies when planning vigils or late‑night events.

Officials and community leaders continue to call for a concerted response to reverse the trend of kidnappings that has affected multiple states in Nigeria, while families of the Ondo victims await word on whether the ransom demand will be met or force will be used to secure their release.

Sources:

• SaharaReporters — Kidnappers Threaten To Kill Six Abducted Ondo Celestial Church Members
• Punch Nigeria — Protest Rocks Ondo as Gunmen Kidnap Worshippers During Vigil
• BusinessDay — Panic as Gunmen Abduct Celestial Church Worshippers in Ondo Midnight Attack
• PM News/NAN — Police Confirm 5 of the 6 Worshippers Kidnapped Are Pregnant Women
• Vanguard Nigeria — Ondo: Suspend Night Worship for Now — Police Tell Religious L

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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