Gunmen raided a Celestial Church of Christ parish in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State during an early-hours service at about 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 February. The attackers abducted no fewer than six worshippers and took them to an unknown location. The incident has generated local concern amid reporting that Ondo State has again come under attack.

Ondo State Police Command spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh confirmed the attack in a message to journalists in Akure. Police stated that operatives were mobilized to the scene in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups for a coordinated rescue operation. No further official details on the abductors’ identity, motive, or the victims’ status were provided in the available reporting as of 1 March 2026.

What this means: The abduction of worshippers during a night service in Uso highlights that church gatherings—especially late-night or early-morning programs—can face acute kidnapping risk in parts of Ondo State.

Who's at risk: Local congregations and visiting Christian workers operating in and around Uso and Owo LGA, Ondo State are most directly exposed, particularly where services occur at approximately 1:00 a.m..

Outlook: Watch for updates from the Ondo State Police Command and partners conducting a coordinated rescue operation that may clarify victim status, perpetrators, and whether further incidents follow in the area.

OLORI/OTUN, NIGERIA – Armed bandits raided private homes and five churches in the Baptist area of Olori/Otun, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, during the night of February 22, 2026. Residents reported assaults with cutlasses, theft of phones and valuables, and threats against a seven-day-old baby.

BENUE STATE, NIGERIA – Suspected armed herdsmen carried out a two-day incursion (23–24 February 2026) in Apa Local Government Area, Benue State, killing at least two people including a pastor. The attacks affected Oiji, Ojantelle, and Edikwu communities, injuring several residents and forcing others to flee, with one attack on Oiji reportedly repelled.

BOKI, NIGERIA – Arsonists attacked a Catholic church in Boki, Cross River State, Nigeria, setting fires that damaged church records and cars. The incident caused property damage to the church.

ANKARA, TURKEY – Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected a European Parliament resolution criticizing the expulsion or denial of re-entry of foreign Christians, including pastors, missionaries, and their families. The resolution cited at least 300 affected individuals, and the European Court of Human Rights agreed to examine 20 related cases involving foreign Christians expelled or barred from returning to Turkey.

No current updates.

UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA – Christian pastor Jose Thomas (47) was arrested in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, after Bajrang Dal members filed a complaint alleging illegal religious conversions. Police alleged he offered incentives and seized religious books and audio equipment while investigators examined his bank accounts.

No current updates.

No current updates.

No current updates.

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES – San Francisco Police Department officers responded to antisemitic and homophobic graffiti, including swastikas, vandalizing a church and nearby city utilities on the 2800 block of California Street. A suspect was arrested and booked on multiple charges including felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement, with damage estimated over $20,000.

KNOXVILLE, UNITED STATES – A suspect allegedly broke into Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Knoxville and set a flag on fire, burning a wall and carpet and causing about $2,000 in damage. Dakota Snook was arrested and told officers he disliked the flag because he is not a Christian.

WOODBRIDGE, UNITED STATES – Impact Church in WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA was broken into and extensively vandalized between Dec. 21, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026, with police estimating over $300,000 in damage including more than 200 broken windows, damaged doors, and graffiti. Detectives arrested and charged a 16-year-old from LORTON on Jan. 29 for destruction of property and unlawful entry.

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES – Houston founding pastor Pedro Cantú of Iglesia Cristiana Amor y Restauración was fatally shot at his home during a reported burglary attempt when a relative fired at a suspected intruder and accidentally hit him. The suspected intruder was arrested and charged with burglary.

KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES – During a funeral service at New Beginning Apostolic Church in north Kansas City, shots fired from a passing vehicle struck two attendees and injured a third person, and a police officer was hurt inside the church. The case is being investigated as an aggravated assault and no one is in custody.

BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM – A 58-year-old Christian street preacher, Dia Moodley, was arrested in Broadmead, Bristol after delivering a sermon described as being on Islam and transgender ideology. He was detained on suspicion of assault by beating and a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence, then released on bail with temporary restrictions from parts of Bristol city centre.

SOFIIIVSKA BORSHCHAHIVKA, UKRAINE – A Russian missile and drone attack in Kyiv Oblast damaged the dome of a Roman Catholic church in Boryspil district and struck a Carmelite convent in Sofiivska Borshchahivka. Blast effects included blown-out windows and interior damage, and the Carmelite nuns were not physically harmed.

SOUTHALL, UNITED KINGDOM – A major late-night fire severely damaged the historic Kings Hall Methodist Church in Southall, West London on February 22, 2026, with the blaze reported to have started around 9:30 p.m. The incident prompted a large emergency response and caused extensive damage to the church building.

EDE, NETHERLANDS – Three churches in EDE, GELDERLAND, NETHERLANDS were targeted in separate vandalism and arson incidents between February 19 and February 25, 2026, including smashed windows and small fires started with incendiary devices. Police are investigating and requested witnesses and relevant camera footage.

No current updates.

Father in Heaven, have mercy on all who are suffering because of war—those living under fear, caught in crossfire, displaced from their homes, grieving loved ones, or trying to survive without safety, food, or medicine.

We lift up Iran in particular, where things are volatile and many feel exposed and uncertain. Protect the innocent, especially children, the elderly, and the vulnerable, and provide refuge, provision, and safe passage for those in danger.

Strengthen doctors, first responders, and humanitarian workers, and open doors for aid to reach the hardest-hit places. Restrain violence, disrupt wicked plans, and move leaders toward restraint, justice, and a lasting peace. Comfort the traumatized, heal the wounded, and uphold the weary. And make Your church a refuge of courage and compassion—faithful in prayer, steady in hope, and quick to serve.

→ SUBMIT A PRAYER REQUEST

Step into ROAM RECON to receive live flash alerts, mission-focused intelligence reports, and full access to the RECON dashboard.

If these weekly briefs serve you, upgrading is the most direct way to support the work while sharpening your own awareness of what the Church is facing.

Pick up ROAM Intelligence gear and help keep this work moving. Every hoodie, hat, or tee spreads the mission and helps us keep building tools and intel products for the Body of Christ.

Know a pastor, missionary, or believer who should see this? Forward this email or send them to roamintelligence.com so they can subscribe and stay aware of what the Church is facing.