In Ondo State, Nigeria, residents expressed their outrage by blocking the Akure-Owo Expressway for hours in response to the kidnapping of worshippers during a vigil at the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso community. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night when armed assailants invaded the church and abducted six worshippers, taking them into the nearby forest. Although one victim managed to escape, five others remain in captivity, raising alarms about the escalating security concerns in the region.

The protest on Wednesday was organized to draw attention to the alarming rise in insecurity in Ondo State, with demonstrators chanting solidarity songs and calling for increased government intervention to protect citizens. Protesters emphasized the emotional impact of such violence on their community, especially during what is typically a peaceful religious gathering. A protester named Deoye articulated the community's fear by stating that the incident underscores the growing insecurity faced by residents, urging the government to take immediate action.

This violent episode not only highlights the specific challenges faced by religious congregations in Nigeria but also reflects broader national issues of crime and insecurity. Community members, who once gathered for worship without fear, are now confronted with threats to their safety. The protest is a clear message from the residents to the state government to bolster security measures and restore a sense of safety in daily life, particularly in religious settings.