The Ondo State Police Command has advised religious leaders across the state to suspend night worship services temporarily due to prevailing security challenges.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, gave the directive on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the recent abduction of six members of a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.
The victims were kidnapped on February 25 during a midnight service at a church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway. Following the incident, the police rescued one of the worshippers and arrested an informant linked to the crime.
It was gathered that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims. However, the police commissioner stated that no one had officially approached the command regarding any ransom payment.
Lawal disclosed that the abducted worshippers included pregnant women and a physically challenged person. He expressed concern over the vulnerability of such individuals attending late-night services.
“I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital. If someone is pregnant, the best place is a hospital or a maternity home,” the commissioner said.
He noted that it is easier for security operatives to monitor religious activities conducted during the daytime than those held at night. He also faulted the organisers of the midnight service for failing to notify the police beforehand.
“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there,” he said. “We have always advised religious leaders 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.”
Lawal added that the command had sent signals to all area commanders across the state, directing them to advise religious leaders—Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers—to suspend night worship for now in view of the security situation.
The police reiterated their commitment to securing the release of the remaining victims and strengthening surveillance across vulnerable areas in the state.
