The victims, who were on their way to Ifon in the Ose Local Government Area for a burial ceremony, fell prey to the assailants on Friday afternoon.
The kidnappers, who waylaid the church bus, forcibly dragged the victims into the nearby bush, leaving the community in shock and fear.
The Ondo State Police Command sprang into action to rescue the abducted individuals. According to SP Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the Police Spokesperson, all eight victims, comprising seven women and one man, were successfully rescued unhurt.
She shared the relieving news, saying, "Good news! 8 victims were rescued, and effort is on to rescue others unhurt. The victims said that they were on their way to a wake keep; on getting to Ajagbale via Elegbeka on Ifon/Owo expressway, they were accosted by five gunmen who shot sporadically and forcefully took them into the bush."
However, there have been contrasting reports suggesting that the abductees managed to escape from their captors. Regardless of the circumstances, the swift and successful rescue of the kidnapped Christian worshippers has brought relief to the affected community and highlights the dedication of law enforcement in responding to such distressing incidents.