In a distressing incident, authorities in Ondo State have confirmed the abduction of a group of Christian worshippers en route to a burial program. The incident unfolded in the Ifon region of the Ose Local Government Area, casting a pall of concern over the security situation in the area.

The victims, identified as members of the Christ Apostolic Church from Oke Igan, Akure, the state’s capital, were forcibly taken by a group of armed individuals. This unsettling episode was confirmed by the Police Spokesperson for Ondo State, SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, who issued a statement on the matter.

According to SP Odunlami-Omisanya, the unfortunate incident transpired on a Friday afternoon when the police were alerted to an abandoned church bus bearing the inscription “CAC” in the Elegbeka area. Suspicion immediately arose that the passengers aboard this vehicle had fallen victim to a kidnapping operation.

Responding swiftly, the Police Anti-kidnapping squad and various tactical units were dispatched to the area with a mission to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.

A family member of one of the abducted individuals, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, recounted the harrowing incident. According to her, the worshippers were taken at Elegbeka shortly after leaving Ifon in the Ose council area while on their way to attend a burial ceremony. The vehicle transporting the kidnapped choir members was found abandoned along the roadside, adding to the distressing nature of the situation.

It is worth noting that the Owo-Ifon route has become increasingly perilous for motorists, plagued by a series of distressing incidents involving kidnapping and armed robbery. As authorities work diligently to secure the release of the abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for enhanced security measures in the region.