Another victim of the violence which rocked the recent ward congress of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, has died.
The state police boss, Mr Adebowale Lawal, who announced this at a press briefing said the victim died in the early hours of Friday.
This has increased the casualty figure in the fracas to three, while, as disclosed by Lawal, some of the injured are still in critical condition at different hospitals receiving treatment.
He further disclosed that the 13 suspects arrested in connection with the death and injury of other victims would be charged to court with culpable homicide and assault.
He said that 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of six worshipers at a celestial church at Uso in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests, according to him, resulted from intelligence-led operations and coordinated security actions involving the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups.
He said the suspects were arrested in different locations after sustained surveillance and forest-combing operations in areas linked to the attackers.
The arrests, he said were the result of deliberate tracking of criminal hideouts and pressure on the network following the night-time church attack.
The Uso church abduction, which occurred during a night service, saw armed men storm the premises, taking worshippers to an unknown location through bush paths.
He disclosed that the victims included pregnant women and a mentally challenged individual.
Lawal said, “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.
“Hours after launching a manhunt over the abduction of worshipers at a church along the Uso/Owo Expressway, the Ondo State Police Command recorded a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
‘Through sustained intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security actions, 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
”The arrests were effected through a joint operation involving operatives of the Command, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups, as directed by the Commissioner of Police.”
In the wake of the incident, the command advised religious leaders across the state to reconsider and moderate late-night worship activities in view of prevailing security challenges.
He urged churches, mosques, and other religious centres to adopt proactive safety measures and liaise closely with security agencies before holding large gatherings at odd hours.
Lawal said he is not aware that the kidnappers have demanded any ransom for their victims. He however said the police are working to rescue them alive.
According to him, “On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments.
“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. During the daytime, it is easier for us to monitor activities.
“We told them that 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.”
