The abducted Christian worshippers of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom.

The four worshippers were released on Monday evening at Ilado community after their families reportedly paid a ransom of N5 million to the abductors.

A source close to the family, who crafted anonymity, confirmed their release to our reporter yesterday night.

He said the victims were freed barely a week after they were abducted at the church premises by the gunmen.

“The Christian worshippers have been released. They were freed this evening after we were able to raise N5 million for the abductors.

“In fact, they have been reunited with their family and I learnt some of them are also in the hospital receiving treatment as a result of their ordeal they face in the hands of the kidnappers,” he said.

The abductors had initially reached out to the family of the victims, demanding a ransom of N100 million before they would be set free.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the release. DSP Abayomi, however, promised to get back with details of their release.

Last Wednesday, suspected gunmen invaded a parish of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) at Uso and abducted the members during a vigil.

The assailants reportedly stormed the worship centre on the busy Owo/Benin Expressway and marched the congregants into the bush.

However, one of the victims escaped from the abductors shortly after the incident and an informant was nabbed by the police.

Their release comes amid earlier controversy over police claims that the suspects had been arrested and one victim rescued but the claims were publicly disputed by the families, who insisted that all the victims were still in captivity at the time.

A few days ago; a couple, Jamiu Olawale and his wife were attacked and kidnapped at the entrance of their residence in Akure North LGA. sparking protests by residents over repeated kidnappings and killings in the area.

The couple were later released after they allegedly paid N5 million as ransom.
Similarly, a traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo, in Akure North Local Government Area of the state was last Wednesday killed by gunmen at his palace during a foiled kidnap attempt.